Evonik siloxane additives cleared for Ecolabel use under new EU SVHC rules
Last update on Jun 19, 2026
Formulators working with siloxane-based additives in coatings and inks can continue using more than 95% of Evonik Coating Additives' active TEGO® siloxane portfolio in Ecolabel-certified paints and inks, without reformulation. This compliance outcome results from Evonik's ongoing process optimization and raw material selection, which maintain SVHC concentrations below the 0.1% regulatory threshold across the portfolio.
You can review technical datasheets of TEGO® grades in the Master Catalog of Coatings.
Optimized manufacturing supports regulatory readiness
Recent updates to EU regulations have expanded the classification framework for siloxane compounds. Under the revised CLP regulation, two new hazard classes, vPvB (very persistent and very bioaccumulative) and PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic), now carry labeling obligations: from May 2025 for substances, and from May 2026 for mixtures. Any formulation containing 0.1% or more of a substance classified as vPvB and/or PBT must be classified and labeled accordingly (EUH441 for vPvB, EUH440 for PBT).
Cyclic siloxanes D4, D5, and D6 have been listed as SVHCs since 2018 on vPvB and PBT grounds. ECHA has since expanded the Candidate List to include three short-chain linear and branched siloxanes:
- L3 (Octamethyltrisiloxane, CAS 107-51-7)
- L4 (Decamethyltetrasiloxane, CAS 141-62-8)
- M3T (1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyl-3-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]trisiloxane, CAS 17928-28-89)
These linear and cyclic siloxanes occur as common impurities in most siloxane chemistries. According to Evonik, their concentration can be significantly reduced through careful raw material selection and optimized manufacturing processes.
Support compliance without costly reformulation
Evonik's analytical assessment shows that more than 95% of its active TEGO® siloxane additive portfolio contains no levels of the SVHC substances listed above that would trigger vPvB (EUH441) and/or PBT (EUH440) classification requirements.
This outcome enables formulators to continue incorporating TEGO® siloxane grades into coatings and inks that require Ecolabel certification, without switching to higher-cost purified alternatives or undertaking reformulation work.
"Our customers can rely on Evonik Coating Additives to anticipate regulatory changes and deliver solutions that combine compliance with performance," said Kristina Meier, global head of product line Silicone & Acetylenics at Evonik Coating Additives. "This achievement underscores our commitment to sustainability, regulatory excellence, and making life easier for our customers and partners."
The TEGO® siloxane range covers additives for waterborne, radiation-curable, and solvent-borne systems, as well as inkjet and printing inks.
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| CAS number Substance name | Hazard Class | EU Hazard Phrase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| L3 | Octamethyltrisiloxane 107-51-7 | vPvB | EUH441 |
| L4 | Decamethyltetrasiloxane 141-62-8 | vPvB | EUH441 |
| M3T | Heptamethyl[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]trisiloxane 17928-28-8 | vPvB | EUH441 |
| D4 | Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane 556-67-2 | vPvB, PBT | EUH441 EUH440 |
| D5 | Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane 541-02-6 | vPvB, PBT | EUH441 EUH440 |
| D6 | Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane 540-97-6 | vPvB, PBT | EUH441 EUH440 |