Alkyd resins are popular options for architectural, wood, and industrial coatings. This is due to their durability and cost-effectiveness.
However, regulators around the world have been intensifying scrutiny of materials commonly used in alkyd formulations: cobalt-based driers and oxime-based anti-skinning agents. Cobalt driers are used to accelerate oxidative drying for more efficient cure times. Oxime-based anti-skins are used to prevent in-can skinning that can occur during the accelerated drying process.
At the same time, regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are placing additional pressure on formulators to balance performance and compliance. This results in the formulation of waterborne or high solids alkyd formulations. However, maintaining excellent performance while meeting VOC regulations can be a challenge.
In this blog, we review some of the latest regulatory trends and show how Borchers’ portfolio of cobalt-free high-performance catalysts (HPCs) and oxime-free anti-skins can offer a path forward, without compromising drying speed, film quality, or durability.
Cobalt use in paint and coatings presents a significant toxicity risk as these applications limit the feasibility of adequate exposure mitigation measures.. Throughout the years, several regions, including the United States, Brazil, and South Korea have intensified cobalt scrutiny,
In 2025, the European Union proposed stricter Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) surrounding cobalt. The proposed limit from the European Commission is 0.01 mg/m³ for particles that can be breathed in through the nose and mouth, and 0.0025 mg/m³ for finer particles that can reach deeper into the lungs. Transitional limits of 0.02 mg/m³ and 0,0042 mg/m³ respectively give industries six years to adapt.
As regulatory attention and sustainability goals drive a move away from cobalt, Borchi® OXY-Coat and Borchi® Dragon cobalt-free high-performance catalysts are designed to improve performance characteristics compared to traditional driers in alkyd systems.
Performance Characteristics
Cobalt-free high-performance catalysts from Borchers have demonstrated:
In addition to cobalt, oxime-based anti-skinning agents like Methyl Ethyl Ketoxime (MEKO) are under regulatory scrutiny. MEKO has faced the most intense scrutiny, with the European Union requiring Carcinogen 1B labeling in products with ≥ 0.1% MEKO and Canada limiting MEKO content for architectural paints.
Other oximes, including 2-Pentanone oxime (MPKO) and 4-Methyl-2-pentanone oxime (MIBKO) are also under evaluation in Europe.
Borchers additives include Ascinin® oxime-free solutions that can efficiently prevent in-can skinning and maintain shelf stability while aiming to meet current and potential oxime-related regulations.
By formulating with cobalt-free high-performance catalysts and oxime-free anti-skins, manufacturers can build coatings that are future-ready and regulation-compliant.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that easily evaporate into the air and can contribute to air pollution and potential health concerns such as respiratory irritation and headaches. Paints and coatings may release VOCs even after drying, which is why many regions have implemented VOC regulations, including:
As a result, formulators are under increasing pressure to develop low-VOC systems that meet regulatory standards without sacrificing performance.
Borchi® Dragon Low VOC is designed for formulators looking to increase solids for reduced VOC levels in solvent borne formulations that may face longer dry times and uneven application. This manganese-based high-performance catalyst contains only 2% VOC content (ASTM D2369) and up to 92% bio-based carbon (ASTM D6866-24 B). Performance benefits include fast dry times, reduced yellowing, and improved hardness
Waterborne alkyd systems are also becoming increasingly attractive as low-VOC or VOC-free technology alternatives. Borchi® OXY-Coat 1101 is a high-performance catalyst designed for these formulations, providing excellent dry times and durability (including reduced yellowing and enhanced corrosion resistance).
As regulations continue to tighten across major regions, coating manufacturers are increasingly looking for long-term, compliant alternatives without compromising performance. Borchers’ cobalt-free high-performance catalysts and oxime-free anti-skins offer an effective path forward for alkyd coatings, delivering excellent drying, color stability, and film integrity compared to traditional options, without the associated regulatory and labeling challenges. Solutions are available for excellent performance in low-VOC or VOC-free systems.
For more information, please contact our team.
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