The regulatory environment for waterborne coatings is evolving — and formulators who rely on aminomethyl propanol as a neutralizing agent have good reason to monitor developments closely.
What is changing with amino-propanol?
Aminomethyl propanol, widely used in waterborne coatings for pH regulation and dispersion, is attracting increasing regulatory attention in Europe. In December 2025, the ECHA Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) adopted an opinion proposing a Repr. 1B classification for aminomethyl propanol — a significant step in the European regulatory process.The original proposal was filed in December 2024 by Austria via the ECHA and the process is now advancing.
It is important to note that this concerns aminomethyl propanol specifically — not amino-propanol derivatives as a whole. If this classification becomes legally binding, products containing aminomethyl propanol would face restrictions — particularly under the EU Ecolabel programme, which excludes CMR Category 1B substances.
What this means in practice is still conditional: no binding legislation is in force today, and the regulatory timeline remains uncertain. However, experience shows that reformulation takes time — identifying, testing and validating an alternative can take months. For coatings manufacturers in Central and Eastern Europe already navigating tightening environmental standards, the prudent approach is to begin evaluating alternatives now, rather than under pressure later.
What does this mean for your formulations?
If your current waterborne paint or coating formulation relies on aminomethyl propanol, this is the right moment to assess your exposure — not because change is mandatory today, but because being ahead of potential regulatory developments protects your customers, your Ecolabel positioning, and your supply continuity.
The key performance criteria for a compliant alternative remain the same: zero VOC content, no hazard labeling requirements, strong co-dispersing efficiency, compatibility with Ecolabel-certified formulations, and a low odour profile.
Multifunctional neutralizing additives that combine pH regulation with dispersion stability and corrosion resistance offer the most efficient path forward — reducing ingredient complexity while maintaining or improving formulation performance.
CASPERSE H31 and CASPERSE H35 from CAS Additives
Safic-Alcan distributes two grades from the CASPERSE range by CAS Additives, specifically developed to address these formulation challenges in waterborne coatings.
CASPERSE H31 is a multifunctional neutralizing additive for emulsion paints, combining pH regulation, dispersion stability, and co-dispersing efficiency — with zero VOC content and no hazard labeling, making it fully compatible with Ecolabel certification requirements.
CASPERSE H35 is the latest addition to the range, free of aminomethyl propanol, offering high neutralizing power without the regulatory uncertainty now associated with amino-propanol derivatives. It delivers strong co-dispersing efficiency, improved rub and corrosion resistance, and a very low odor profile.
Both grades are available through Safic-Alcan in Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.
Next steps
If you are currently using amino-propanol in your waterborne coatings formulations and want to evaluate compliant alternatives, our local technical teams in CZ, SK and HU are available to support you — from initial product selection through to formulation testing.
Request samples or technical documentation directly through our product pages: