With a legacy spanning over 70 years, Weld-On has consistently set the standard for innovation, performance, and safety in the solvent cement industry. Our commitment to developing products that are not only reliable but also environmentally responsible has led us to collaborate with like-minded organizations that share our vision. One such partner is the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Founded in 1990 under Massachusetts law, TURI supports companies in reducing toxic chemical use through technical assistance, research, and education. While their core work centers on Massachusetts-based manufacturers, their expertise has earned national recognition. Through funding from an EPA Pollution Prevention Grant, TURI is working with manufacturers across the country to develop safer alternatives to chemicals such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), a key solvent traditionally used in PVC cement now listed under California’s Prop 65.
THF plays a critical role in traditional solvent cement, helping to dissolve PVC resin to form strong, permanent bonds. However, its health risks could be a concern, especially to end users in confined or poorly ventilated spaces. THF-containing products now carry warning labels and pictograms alerting users to potential health hazards. Weld-On has voluntarily removed this ingredient from several of our formulations, without being mandated by a regulatory body.
Taking Initiative: Weld-On Leads Voluntary Industry Change
Through our partnership with TURI, Weld-On is not only validating existing THF-free formulations but also exploring new solvent cement opportunities that maintain performance while eliminating toxic exposure. As Dr. Greg Morose of TURI explained, “This collaboration is unique because there is no mandate requiring manufacturers to remove THF. Weld-On is choosing to do this proactively, which makes them a leader in the field.”
The collaboration involves regular biweekly meetings with Weld-On’s research and development team, where both parties share insights and test results under a mutual non-disclosure agreement. TURI provides early-stage testing and scientific guidance to identify viable solvent alternatives that are not considered “regrettable substitutions”—chemicals that solve one problem but create another. Weld-On then rigorously tests these formulations in-house to ensure they meet and exceed internal and industry standards.
Sustainable Innovation Without Compromise
Products developed through this initiative are undergoing a comprehensive testing process, including dissolution efficiency, cold stability, and bond strength. Weld-On’s internal standards often surpass ASTM and NSF benchmarks, ensuring our customers receive products that are not only safe but exceptionally reliable. Certification from third-party bodies such as NSF and IAPMO is also part of the roadmap, with the EPA grant covering those costs to encourage market adoption.
Already, several of Weld-On’s THF-free products are available in regular, medium, and heavy-bodied formulations. The team is now focused on applying the same breakthrough to PVC extra-heavy-bodied products and CPVC products, which require more powerful solvent systems due to their higher resin content.
This progress is already making an impact in the field. Weld-On’s safer solvent cements are now used at multiple union apprentice training centers across the United States. These institutions recognize the importance of reducing health risks for workers who use solvent cement daily. “The ability to offer safer products without sacrificing performance in all solvent cements will be a game-changer,” said Dr. Morose.
From manufacturing floors to field installations, this collaboration underscores Weld-On’s unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and social responsibility. We are proud to lead the charge in developing solvent cement solutions that protect both the environment and the tradespeople who rely on them.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the potential breakthroughs on the horizon and remain dedicated to expanding our THF-free product line across all viscosities. As always, our goal is to provide our customers with the safest, highest-performing products on the market.
To learn more about Weld-On’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, visit weldon.com for our full line of ECO products.
Sobre Weld-On
A Weld-On Adhesives, Inc., subsidiária da IPS Corporation, é pioneira e fabricante líder de tubos Weld-On® solvent cements, primers e cleaners para sistemas de tubulação de PVC, CPVC, ABS e outros plásticos. Os produtos Weld-On são reconhecidos mundialmente como produtos premium para a união de tubos plásticos pipes e fittings. Com sede na Califórnia, a Weld-On possui operações de última geração nos Estados Unidos e na China, além de uma rede mundial de representantes de vendas e distribuidores.