verylowVOC

VerylowVOC is a term used to describe products or processes that emit very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during use. It is not a universal regulatory category; definitions and thresholds vary by jurisdiction and product category. In practice, verylowVOC designations are assigned by manufacturers or certifying bodies to indicate that a product’s VOC content falls below a specified limit, typically measured as grams of VOC per liter of product (g/L) or as a percentage by weight. Thresholds commonly range from near-zero to several tens of g/L, with stricter limits often applied to interior paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and cleaning products.

Measurement follows standardized testing methods such as ASTM D3960, ISO 11890-2, or equivalent domestic methods, which quantify the amount of VOCs present in the liquid or applied product. Some programs also account for water content and exempt substances, and may report results as “permitted VOC content” or “VOC emissions after curing” in separate indicators.

Industry practice: verylowVOC labels are prevalent in paints and coatings, primers, sealants, flooring adhesives, and cleaning products sold for indoor use. They can be part of broader environmentally preferable product programs and may be verified by third-party schemes such as GREENGUARD, Green Seal, or EU Ecolabel, though the presence of a label does not guarantee universal low emissions in all conditions.

Limitations: VOC emission behavior depends on environmental conditions and product usage; ratings may reflect content in the liquid form and not imply zero emissions over time.