Calculate the Potential to Emit (PTE) of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Solvents, printing inks, binders, adhesives, coating and finishing formulations used at supplier facilities can release VOCs such as toluene, DMFa, benzene etc.

Calculating Potential to Emit

To calculate VOC Potential to Emit (PTE) from the chemical inventory used in production processes suppliers must:

1. Collect information on hazardous ingredients, CAS numbers and their percentages in each chemical used in production processes. 
2. Record annual consumption (kg) of each chemical.
3. Upload this data to the ZDHC platform

The 100% Potential to Emit (PTE) of VOCs based on ingredient information in the chemical inventory is calculated as follows:

• Chemical products to be included in the calculation

• US EPA and EU EPA comprehensive list of VOCs

Implementation

Below is a high-level overview of the actions required, with further insight into details related to each relevant stakeholder.

Implementation period

Suppliers should: 

• Calculate VOCs PTE data on the ZDHC Supplier Platform Air Emissions Module (coming soon).
• Review the data.
• Set or revise VOC reduction goals
• Repeat the process at least annually.