Los Angeles, CA (February 27, 2009) – Following our earlier announcement, we are pleased to inform you that by the end of first quarter 2009, all Weld-On® solvent cements, primers and cleaners produced by IPS® Corporation will meet the requirements for Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emission limits, established by the California South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). All primers and cleaners will continue to be Low VOC, as they have been for 15 years.
Weld-On was the first to develop Low VOC products for the plastic piping industry in 1992 and was instrumental in determining the appropriate VOC emission limits found in southern California’s SCAQMD Rule 1168. Today, the VOC emission limits established by that same rule have been adopted by LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and by the states of Connecticut, New Jersey, and Maryland. We expect the trend in legislation mandating Low VOC products to continue. Weld-On is proud to be on the forefront in using technology that contributes to a healthier environment.
Our Low VOC products will continue to offer the same high quality performance and installation properties you’ve come to expect from the market leader while providing the following benefits for you and your customers:
- Environmentally responsible – Low VOC products contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment. Weld-On products meet the most stringent emissions regulations in the U.S., as mandated by SCAQMD Rule1168.
- LEED Compliant – Use of our Weld-On Low VOC products can qualify you for one credit toward the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification for green building.
- Cost savings/reduced inventory – Since our Weld-On products will only be Low VOC, there will be no need to carry dual inventory (regular and Low VOC products), which will reduce your costs while simplifying your inventory.
- Better working conditions – Low VOC products are more user-friendly due to their lower VOC content.
- NSF and UPC listed – Approved for use in applications such as potable water, turf, irrigation, pool, industrial, fire protection, electrical conduit, DWV, and/or sewer installations and repairs.
- Meets ASTM strength standards for solvent cements and primers used for plastic pipe installation.
TRANSITION OVERVIEW
The new, all Low VOC product line will use the 700 series of names and part numbers. Once we are fully transitioned, the 2700 series of products will no longer exist, and the “new” 700 series will be all Low VOC. For example, 711 Quart will still exist with Part # 10119 (and be Low VOC), while 2711 Quart (Part #11005) will not exist.
LOW VOC PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
We updated our packaging graphics so that you can easily identify the Weld-On 700 series of Low VOC products. Changes include newly designed can labels, carton labels, and cartons. All of these changes (can labels, carton labels and cartons) will only be seen on the 700 Series of products that have transitioned to Low VOC so any of these changes can be used to identify the 700 Low VOC products that are in your warehouse and on your shelves.
Can Label
Weld-On has upgraded its label design, which will appear on all Low VOC 700 Series products to standardize on a format that is easier-to-read and identify. Key improvements are:
- New, consistent label colors across product families (see below)
- Easy-to-see color dot and bar to identify cement or primer color
- “Low VOC” icon with a green leaf on all Low VOC product labels
- Easy-to-read product descriptions in English and Spanish
Carton Label
In order to help you identify the Low VOC product on warehouse shelves, a new carton label with the Low VOC icon (in green) will appear on all boxes that contain the Low VOC 700 Series products.
Carton
The new cartons for Weld-On Low VOC 700 Series will be distinctive in that they will have the Weld-On logo on all four sides, as well as 2 blue stripes on each side.
HOW TO ORDER
1) If you are currently ordering the 700 Series of products (e.g. 711, 717):
- You will still order the same products and SKU numbers, and these will be Low VOC. Once fully transitioned, all of the Weld-On cements will use the 700 Series numbers so you don’t have to change anything in your system.
- During the first half of 2009, as we transition all products to the Low VOC Series, you may experience mixed batches of Low VOC and non-Low VOC cements in the 700 series. You can easily identify the 700 series Low VOC products by the new can, carton and carton label format as noted above.
2) If you are currently ordering the 2700 Series of products (e.g. 2711, 2717):
- You will order the equivalent 700 Series number (e.g. 711, 717) once we have fully transitioned. Continue to order the 2700 series until instructed to change, which will be sometime in the 2nd quarter of 2009.
- During the first half of 2009, as we transition all products to the Low VOC Series, you may experience mixed batches of 700 series (new Low VOC version) and 2700 series. Note that both of these products will be the same, just in different packaging with different part numbers. You can easily identify the 700 series Low VOC products by the new can, carton and carton label format as noted above.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What does Low VOC mean?
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds which are emissions in materials. Low VOC products contribute to cleaner air. The requirements of what constitutes “Low VOC” has been established by SCAQMD Rule 1168/316A (see below).
Who sets the requirements for Low VOC solvent cements and primers?
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (“SCAQMD”), an air pollution control agency for southern California, sets strict emissions control requirements (Rule 1168/316A) which Weld-On meets with its Low VOC products. Many other states have adopted or are in the process of adopting SCAQMD Rule 1168/316A emission limits and/or similar limits for solvent cements and primers.
Am I required to use Low VOC solvent cements and primers?
Which states require the use of Low VOC solvent cements and primers?
Low VOC solvent cements and primers are currently required in California, Maryland, New Jersey and Connecticut. Requirements are also under consideration in several other states, including New York, Rhode Island, and Maine. Even where not required, Low VOC products are a good idea because they contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
How long has Weld-On been making Low VOC solvent cements and primers?
IPS® Corporation, under the Weld-On® brand name, was the first to offer Low VOC products to the plastic piping industry in 1992. Weld-On’s Low VOC products have been sold into the California market, as well as almost all other states and internationally, for over 15 years and have a proven track record as the best cements on the market.
How are Low VOC solvent cements and primers different than non-Low VOC solvent cements and primers?
Weld-On’s Low VOC solvent cements and primers provide the same performance, have the same installation properties, but are better for the environment and more user-friendly than non-Low VOC products.
Can I use my current inventory of 700 Series regular VOC product now that IPS Corporation is transitioning to all Low VOC 700 Series?
Unless you live in California, Maryland, New Jersey, or Connecticut where the use of Low VOC solvent cements and primers is mandated, the Weld-On products currently in your inventory are good for use, just as they always have been. During the first half of 2009, as we transition all products to the Low VOC Series, you may experience mixed batches of Low VOC and non-Low VOC cements in the 700 series. All batches are good for use.
Your input and comments are always welcome. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service Representative at 800-888-8312 or your Weld-On representative.
About Weld-On
Weld-On Adhesives, Inc., a subsidiary of IPS Corporation, is the pioneer and leading manufacturer of Weld-On® solvent cements, primers and cleaners for PVC, CPVC, ABS and other plastic piping systems. Weld-On products are globally recognized as the premium products for joining plastic pipes and fittings. Headquartered in California, Weld-On has state-of-the-art operations throughout the United States, as well as China, and a worldwide network of sales representatives and distributors.