The coatings industry is entering a significant period of change as new formaldehyde emission legislation comes into effect across Europe. For manufacturers, understanding these changes and choosing the right coating system is becoming increasingly important.
To help explain what these changes mean in practice, we've partnered with Sikkens Wood Coatings and our customer Elsdon & Sons Ltd. to produce a new video that explores the legislation, the technology behind the Sikkens Beyond range, and how manufacturers can confidently prepare for the future.
Understanding the New Legislation
The introduction of updated EU REACH legislation marks a major step forward in reducing formaldehyde emissions from furniture and wood-based products.
From 6 August 2026, products placed on the EU market including those supplied to Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework must comply with a significantly lower formaldehyde emission limit of 0.062 mg/m³.
For many manufacturers, this means reviewing existing coating systems and ensuring their finishing processes remain compliant without compromising quality, durability or productivity.
Key Takeaways
| Market | Status | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Great Britain (England, Scotland & Wales) | No Change | UK REACH does not currently mandate the new formaldehyde emission limit. Manufacturers supplying Great Britain only can continue using compliant acid-catalysed coating systems under existing UK legislation. |
| Northern Ireland & European Union | Strict Compliance | From 6 August 2026, furniture and wood-based products placed on the market must comply with the new formaldehyde emission limit of 0.062 mg/m³ under EU REACH legislation |
The key message is simple: if you manufacture products destined for Northern Ireland or the EU, now is the time to review your coating systems and ensure you're prepared for the upcoming changes.
Our new video provides a straightforward overview of what these changes mean, alongside practical guidance on how manufacturers can confidently prepare for the future.
Meet Sikkens Beyond
Designed with the future in mind, the Sikkens Beyond range has been developed to help manufacturers meet evolving legislation requirements while maintaining the exceptional finish quality expected from Sikkens.
Key benefits include:
- Ultra-low formaldehyde emissions of just 0.003 mg/m³
- Performance that comfortably exceeds the upcoming legislative requirements
- Outstanding durability and finish quality
- Excellent application properties for professional manufacturers
- Suitable for a wide range of joinery and furniture applications
- A future-ready coating system designed for long-term compliance
In the video, you'll see how this innovative technology is already being used in a real manufacturing environment at Elsdon & Sons Ltd., demonstrating that manufacturers can successfully transition to lower-emission coatings without compromising on quality or efficiency.
How Symphony Coatings Can Help
Preparing for legislative change involves far more than simply switching products.
At Symphony Coatings, we work alongside manufacturers to ensure the transition is straightforward and fully supported. Our experienced technical team can help you assess your current coating system, recommend suitable alternatives, provide on-site product demonstrations, technical training and ongoing application support.
Whether you're beginning to explore compliant coating technologies or you're ready to make the transition, we're here to help you every step of the way.
A Partnership Built on Innovation
As one of the UK's leading distributors of industrial wood coatings, Symphony Coatings has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Sikkens Wood Coatings, delivering innovative finishing solutions backed by expert technical advice and local support.
To bring this latest development to life, we were delighted to collaborate with Elsdon & Sons Ltd., showcasing the Sikkens Beyond system in a real manufacturing environment. Their expertise and craftsmanship demonstrate exactly how next-generation coating technology performs under everyday production conditions.
Together, Symphony Coatings, Sikkens Wood Coatings and Elsdon & Sons are helping manufacturers understand the future of wood finishing and showing that compliance, sustainability and exceptional finish quality can all go hand in hand.
