Low-VOC adhesives and sealants aren’t just niche products anymore — they’re becoming the industry standard for builders focused on health, sustainability, and indoor air quality. But many contractors still default to traditional high-VOC formulas out of habit, cost concerns, or lack of information.
As a distributor, your job is to help customers understand the benefits, navigate certifications, and confidently choose low-VOC products that fit their application.
This guide breaks down how to promote the value of low-VOC adhesives and sealants, and how your ERP system can support that process with smart labeling, training, and quoting.
🧠 WHY LOW-VOC MATTERS ON MODERN JOBSITES
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals released from certain adhesives, sealants, and coatings that can:
Harm indoor air quality
Trigger health issues in occupants and workers
Delay occupancy approvals for LEED or WELL buildings
Disqualify a build from earning green certifications
Low-VOC products are essential for:
Schools and healthcare projects
LEED-certified construction
High-performance residential builds
✅ BEST PRACTICES TO PROMOTE LOW-VOC OPTIONS
🏷️ 1. Label Products Clearly in Your ERP and Catalog
Make it obvious which products are low-VOC with:
“Low-VOC” or “No-VOC” icons
VOC grams/liter values
Compliance notes (SCAQMD, CDPH, etc.)
📦 ERP Tip: Add searchable tags like “VOC < 50 g/L” or “LEED EQ Credit Eligible” to each SKU. Let sales teams filter by compliance.
🧾 2. Include VOC Compliance in Quotes and Invoices
Give contractors and estimators the info they need to meet spec.
💡 Include:
VOC levels
Test results (CDPH, GreenGuard)
Suggested applications (interior, occupied spaces, etc.)
📲 Automatically attach this data from your ERP when generating quotes or product bundles.
📚 3. Train Sales Teams to Educate — Not Just Sell
Your counter reps and outside sales teams should understand:
The difference between VOC ratings
Where low-VOC products are required (by code or spec)
How to explain the value (health, compliance, project approvals)
🎯 Consider a quick-reference guide inside your ERP or POS system with answers to common questions.
📦 4. Bundle Low-VOC Products into System Recommendations
Don’t just suggest a sealant — offer a complete low-VOC system:
Compatible primer
Gun cleaner
Finishing adhesive or caulk
PPE and install guides
🛒 Make these bundles available as ERP-based kits or “You Might Also Need” prompts at checkout.
📣 5. Promote Success Stories
Share:
Projects that passed LEED inspections thanks to compliant adhesives
Testimonials from builders who improved install safety
Performance comparisons (odor, cure time, longevity)
📲 Use LinkedIn, customer emails, or product videos to turn low-VOC into a narrative.
🏁 FINAL THOUGHTS
Low-VOC products are no longer just an option — they’re a requirement for many builds. Help your customers make the switch by giving them the right data, resources, and support — and make sure your ERP system makes the process seamless.
📞 Want to tag low-VOC products or add compliance sheets to your ERP quotes? Let’s set it up right.
