How to Educate Customers About Benefits of using low-VOC adhesives and sealants

Today’s job sites are focused on more than performance — they’re focused on health, compliance, and sustainability. Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) adhesives and sealants are at the center of this shift, helping reduce indoor air pollution and enabling LEED, WELL, and other green certifications.

But many contractors still reach for the familiar products unless they understand the benefits. That’s why it’s your role — as a distributor — to educate, recommend, and simplify the switch.

🧪 WHY LOW-VOC MATTERS

Improves indoor air quality and reduces health risks

Required by LEED v4.1 EQ Credit: Low-Emitting Materials

Compliant with EPA, SCAQMD, and CDPH v1.2 regulations

Safer for installers and end-users

May accelerate project timelines due to faster occupancy clearance

📢 HOW TO EDUCATE CUSTOMERS EFFECTIVELY

• Build Awareness at the Point of Sale

Use your ERP to flag low-VOC SKUs and suggest compliant alternatives

Add VOC data on quotes and spec sheets

Highlight usage cases: schools, hospitals, LEED-certified buildings

• Simplify the Comparison

Create side-by-side tables:

VOC level

Compliance certs

Cure time

Use case

📋 Your ERP can auto-generate this based on product tags and attributes.

• Share Documentation with Every Order

Auto-attach:

SDS (Safety Data Sheet)

VOC test reports

Manufacturer certifications

• Train Your Sales Team

ERP-based cheat sheets

Filters for LEED or WELL-approved products

Roleplay common customer objections and how to respond

🛠️ ERP FEATURES TO ENABLE

SKU tags: “Low-VOC,” “SCAQMD-compliant,” “LEED-eligible”

Documentation libraries tied to each adhesive/sealant product

Quoting tools that allow easy toggling between standard and green SKUs

Dashboards showing growth of low-VOC sales

🏁 FINAL THOUGHTS

Educating your customers about low-VOC adhesives isn’t just about selling greener — it’s about being their compliance partner. When you empower them to meet regulations and win eco-friendly projects, they’ll return the favor.

📞 Want help building education kits, quote tools, or VOC filters into your ERP? Let’s get your team green-ready.