CARB Update on Public Work Group Meetings to Evaluate Categories for VOC Emissions Reductions
Of 47 product categories identified for possible emissions reduction, 21 have been presented as part of public work group meetings aimed at reducing VOC emissions.
SAFEGUARDS | Consumer ProductsNO. 086/19
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is required to regulate consumer products as part of the California Clean Air Act. As part of their responsibility, CARB must provide technologically and commercially feasible solutions to reduce volatile organic carbon (VOC) emissions from consumer products.
With the exceptions outlined in the regulation, a VOC is defined as any compound containing at least one atom of carbon. The current strategy requires additional VOC reductions to consumer products to achieve a goal of 1-2 tonnes per day (tpd) by 2023 in the South Coast region, as well as an 8-10 tpd reduction state-wide by 2031 (including 4-5 tpd reduction in the South Coast).
To identify promising consumer product categories for meaningful emission reductions, CARB conducted a survey consisting of 491 categories, 1400 company respondents, and more than 1 million consumer products. The survey identified 47 categories where VOC reductions may be possible. CARB has held Public Work Group Meetings to present the survey data and liaise with stakeholders on the possible impacts of additional limits on VOCs in consumer products.
The first 21 categories were presented during May and June 2019, and the current and proposed VOC limits are outlined below. Not all the product categories discussed are necessarily going to become the subject of new or additional regulation. Currently, CARB is encouraging stakeholders to take part in the public meetings or meet with them directly to discuss opportunities, challenges and/or regulatory approaches related to these product types.
In addition to discussion surrounding the potential impact on existing formulations if VOC limits are reduced, the subject of the fragrance, its definition and exemption status are also being discussed. To date, CARB has considered fragrance to be made up of 100% VOC and has advised they would continue to work with the industry to better understand the composition of fragrance mixtures. Additionally, as part of the upcoming rulemaking, a monoterpene guidance document intended to clarify the applicability of the fragrance exemption is being considered as it relates to general purpose cleaners and degreasers. The proposed guidance may either confirm that specified monoterpenes are not to be considered within the fragrance exemption, to reduce the fragrance exemption with an allowance for monoterpenes, to eliminate the fragrance exemption and slightly increase VOC limits, or to provide other guidance on this topic.
Consumer Product Category |
Current VOC Limit (%) |
Average Marketed Product VOC (%) |
Potential VOC Proposal (%) |
Anticipated tpd Reduction |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hair finishing spray |
||||
No rinse shampoo / dry conditioner |
||||
Dye, permanent |
||||
Laundry detergent |
||||
Liquid fabric softener |
||||
Dish detergent/soap | ||||
Aerosol cooking spray |
||||
Air freshener |
||||
|
|
|||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
Bathroom & tile cleaner (aerosol) |
||||
General purpose cleaner (non-aerosol) |
||||
General purpose degreaser (non-aerosol) |
||||
Glass cleaner (aerosol) |
||||
Aerosol sunscreen |
||||
Shampoo | ||||
Conditioner without styling claims |
||||
External analgesic |
||||
Topical antifungal |
SGS is committed to providing information about development in regulations for consumer products as complimentary services. Through a global network of laboratories, SGS provides a wide range of services including physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
Next step
CARB will continue to evaluate the remaining product categories to identify those with the most promise for VOC emissions reduction.
For enquiries, please contact:
Joseph Scognamiglio
Technical Manager
t: +1 973 461 7937
Stay on top of regulatory changes within your industry: subscribe to SafeGuardS!
Read more articles for the Consumer Goods and Retail industry
© SGS Group Management SA - 2019 - All rights reserved - SGS is a registered trademark of SGS Group Management SA. This is a publication of SGS, except for 3rd parties’ contents submitted or licensed for use by SGS. SGS neither endorses nor disapproves said 3rd parties contents. This publication is intended to provide technical information and shall not be considered an exhaustive treatment of any subject treated. It is strictly educational and does not replace any legal requirements or applicable regulations. It is not intended to constitute consulting or professional advice. The information contained herein is provided “as is” and SGS does not warrant that it will be error-free or will meet any particular criteria of performance or quality. Do not quote or refer any information herein without SGS’s prior written consent.