Global specialty chemicals leader Nouryon has rolled out a new additive aimed squarely at reshaping the performance of water-based paints—promising easier application, lower odor, and reduced environmental impact.

 

The product, Alcosperse OTA 100, is a polymer additive designed to help manufacturers meet surging demand for low-VOC, low-odor architectural coatings without compromising finish quality. As the market shifts toward more user-friendly and environmentally conscious products, the new technology positions itself as a practical upgrade for paint producers.

 

Engineered for seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes, Alcosperse OTA 100 delivers a series of performance gains. It extends “open time,” allowing paint to remain workable longer for smoother application, while also supporting a more pleasant indoor experience through reduced odor. 

 

Crucially, it enables manufacturers to cut back—or even eliminate—glycol, a common ingredient tied to both odor and higher volatile organic compound levels. The additive is also compatible with a broad range of paint formulations, making adoption relatively straightforward.

 

"Alcosperse OTA-100 helps formulators meet the demand for easier to use architectural paints while reducing reliance on glycol. It is a practical way for producers to advance their low- and zero-VOC product lines without sacrificing quality," said Joe Ferrara, vice president of Paints & Coatings at Nouryon.

 

Early customer trials suggest the additive performs consistently across multiple water-based paint systems, maintaining key durability metrics such as scrub, stain, and water resistance. 

 

The product is already available in the Americas and Europe and can be introduced into many existing formulations with minimal adjustments, backed by technical support from Nouryon’s global application centers.

 

The launch strengthens Nouryon’s broader Paints & Coatings portfolio within its Performance Materials segment, underscoring the company’s push to deliver high-performance, environmentally aligned solutions to a rapidly evolving market.