Paint manufacturing is a vital part of industries such as construction, automotive, furniture, and packaging. While the focus often falls on product quality and production efficiency, odour control is becoming an equally critical priority. With increasing attention on environmental compliance, worker safety, and community relations, managing odour emissions from paint plants is no longer optional — it’s a business imperative.
Paint manufacturing involves the use of various chemical compounds, including solvents, pigments, resins, and additives. These materials often emit strong odours, primarily due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during mixing, drying, and curing processes. The unpleasant odour can affect worker health, community air quality, and regulatory compliance, making odour control a critical aspect of industrial operations.
Odour issues in paint manufacturing facilities originate from various process stages, each contributing distinct volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air:
1.Raw Material Handling
Solvents (toluene, xylene, MEK, etc.) used in solvent-based paints are highly odorous. Additives and binders, used to improve paint adhesion, these can emit persistent odours during production. Some pigments contain chemical components that release odour, especially during heating.
2. Mixing, Blending & Milling
High shear mixing releases solvent vapours and uncaptured VOC emissions, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Incomplete sealing of mixers and open transfer systems worsens fugitive emissions.
3.Filling & Packaging
The transfer of paint into containers — especially for solvent-based products — releases a sharp burst of VOCs with every batch.
Cleaning of filling lines contributes to additional solvent odour.
4.Waste Handling & Storage
Leftover paints, solvent-laden rags, and wastewater from equipment cleaning also contribute to odour if not properly managed. Improper storage and disposal of paint waste and raw materials can lead to odour build-up and air pollution.
1. Regulatory Compliance:
Air quality norms related to VOC emissions are tightening globally, with a particular focus on fugitive emissions from industrial processes.
2. Worker Safety:
Exposure to VOCs can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and long-term health impacts for plant personnel.
3. Community Relations:
Nuisance odour complaints from nearby residents can trigger inspections, fines, and operational restrictions.
4. Brand Reputation:
Sustainable manufacturing is increasingly important to customers and investors — visible efforts to manage emissions contribute to ESG leadership.
1. Enclose and Seal Critical Processes
Fully enclose mixing tanks and transfer systems and use of closed-loop solvent handling can eliminate fugitive emissions from open containers.
2. Ventilation and Air Capture
Install local exhaust ventilation (LEV) at mixing, filling, and cleaning stations. Secondly, Designing paint rooms with negative pressure to prevent odours escaping to the outside. Proper ventilation ensures that odorous air does not accumulate in confined spaces. Installing high-efficiency ventilation systems can reduce their impact on workers and the surrounding environment.
3. Advanced Air Treatment Technologies
Depending on the facility size, paint type (water-based vs solvent-based), and regulatory limits, manufacturers can adopt:
a) Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon filters are highly effective in adsorbing VOCs and odour molecules from exhaust air. These systems trap pollutants on the carbon surface, preventing their release into the atmosphere.
b) Biofiltration Systems
Biofilters use microorganisms to break down odorous compounds into non-harmful byproducts like carbon dioxide and water. This eco-friendly solution is ideal for industries seeking sustainable odour control.
c) Chemical Scrubbers
Chemical scrubbers neutralize odours by passing emissions through a chemical solution that reacts with the odour-causing compounds. These are particularly effective for high-intensity emissions found in paint manufacturing.
d) Thermal Oxidisers
A Thermal Oxidiser is essentially a high-temperature combustion chamber that destroys organic contaminants in process air by exposing them to elevated temperatures (typically 750°C to 1100°C) in the presence of oxygen for a defined residence time (usually 0.5 to 2 seconds).
4. Process Optimization & Waste Management
Improving production processes, using low-VOC formulations, Gradually transition to water-based paints where feasible and adopting efficient waste management practices can significantly reduce odour emissions. Use low-odour solvents and reformulate where possible to cut emissions at source. Proper handling, storage, and disposal of raw materials and waste also play a crucial role in odour control.
5. Real-Time Monitoring & Transparency
Install continuous VOC monitors in work areas and at plant boundaries. The use of continuous monitoring equipment and Use this data to proactively engage regulators and local communities, demonstrating environmental responsibility.
Environmental regulations on VOC emissions and air quality are becoming stricter worldwide. Paint manufacturers must comply with guidelines set by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and local regulatory bodies. Implementing robust odour control solutions ensures compliance while demonstrating corporate responsibility towards environmental sustainability.
Sample case: Odour Control at a Decorative Paint Plant
A leading decorative paint manufacturer in Southeast Asia faced repeated odour complaints from nearby residential areas. Investigations revealed fugitive solvent emissions from open mixing tanks and manual filling operations as the primary source.
Solution Implemented
✅ Transitioned to closed mixing systemswith vapour capture hoods.
✅ Installed local exhaust ventilationat filling lines and solvent handling areas.
✅ Treated exhaust air using a dual-stage system:
✅ Added fence-line VOC monitors to provide real-time transparency to both regulators and community members.
Result
⚡️ 60% reduction in odour complaints within 6 months.
⚡️ Improved working conditions for staff.
⚡️ Enhanced relationship with regulators and positive media coverage for proactive action.
Elixir Enviro Systems specializes in odour control solutions for paint manufacturing industries, addressing the strong and often hazardous fumes generated during production. Our advanced technologies help industries comply with environmental regulations, improve workplace air quality, and minimize odour pollution.
Our Odour Control Solutions for Paint Manufacturing
1. Chemical Scrubbers – Effectively remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odorous gases from exhaust streams using chemical reactions.
2. Biofilters – Use microbial action to break down odorous compounds naturally, offering an eco-friendly solution.
3. Activated Carbon Filters – Absorb and neutralize paint-related odours, ensuring cleaner air emissions.
4. Ventilation & Air Handling Systems – Optimize airflow and exhaust to prevent the accumulation of harmful fumes.
5. Onsite Odour Assessment & Monitoring – Provide real-time odour analysis to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
Odour control in paint manufacturing is essential for ensuring worker safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection. By implementing advanced technologies like biofilters, activated carbon filtration, chemical scrubbers, and ventilation systems, manufacturers can effectively mitigate odour emissions.
In today’s ESG-driven world, effective odour control is not just about regulatory compliance — it’s part of being a responsible neighbour, a safe workplace, and a sustainable brand. As paint manufacturers adapt to stricter emission limits and rising community expectations, investing in advanced odour control will safeguard both reputation and long-term profitability.
If you’re looking for expert odour control solutions for your paint manufacturing facility, Elixir Enviro Systems is here to help. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and cutting-edge solutions to keep your air clean and compliant.
In short, now the odour control from paint industry is Business-Critical
