In April 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tightened restrictions under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), placing methylene chloride-based primers under heavier scrutiny. While industry players have seen these restrictions coming for quite some time, the official changes carry significant implications for the profile wrapping industry, particularly in PVC window and door profile lamination, where primers play a critical role in adhesion.
At Daubert Chemical Company, we understand that compliance isn’t optional, but neither is performance. That’s why we’ve invested in developing non-methylene chloride primer alternatives that meet regulatory requirements while helping customers maintain quality production without any process changes.
Methylene chloride has long been a go-to solvent primer, but its classification as a potential carcinogen has brought stricter usage controls. The new rules limit industrial use, require extensive PPE investments, and place tighter controls on permissible exposure levels.
For customers still relying on older primers, the burden is clear: compliance now comes with higher costs, added liability, and potential risk to employee safety. Many companies have already moved away from methylene chloride entirely, choosing alternatives such as acetone-based primers or plasma-treatment processes.
To support customers through this shift, Daubert now offers adhesive primers, Primer A (acetone-based) and Primer K (MEK-based), as effective replacements.
Both solutions help customers avoid the regulatory hurdles tied to methylene chloride while maintaining safe, consistent performance.
Switching to safer primers doesn’t require extensive process changes. Daubert has designed our alternatives to integrate seamlessly into existing equipment layouts. Customers who have tested the products consistently report positive results, particularly in terms of dry time, which is critical for smooth operations.
We’re more than suppliers at Daubert, and that makes all the difference. We provide hands-on technical support, process audits, and customized solutions for unique lamination challenges. Our team partners directly with customers to evaluate adhesion, confirm drying performance, and optimize formulations where needed.
With over 80 years of combined experience and a complete R&D lab, we’re positioned to keep customers ahead of changing regulations without sacrificing quality.
While no immediate additional EPA restrictions are expected for adhesives and primers, the industry has learned that regulations can shift quickly. Daubert is committed to ongoing R&D, ensuring our Daubond® profile wrapping hot melt adhesives and primers portfolio remains compliant, safe, and effective long-term.
Safer primers don’t have to mean weak performance. Daubert’s alternatives offer the compliance, quality, and technical support customers need to navigate today’s regulations with confidence.
