Best Practices for Promoting Benefits of using low-VOC adhesives and sealants

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.