This case study explores the replacement of UV-328, a widely used ultraviolet stabilizer in coatings and polymer materials, following its inclusion in the Stockholm Convention as a persistent organic pollutant. UV-328 has been commonly applied to protect paints, plastics, and construction materials from UV degradation, but its high environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity have raised serious concerns.
The study outlines key pathways through which UV-328 is released into the environment during production, use, and disposal of coatings and plastics, as well as the tightening regulatory restrictions in the EU and globally. It also reviews safer and more sustainable alternatives, including advanced UV absorbers, HALS light stabilizers, and material-based solutions aligned with eco-design principles.
The case highlights the importance of a comprehensive substitution approach that balances technical performance, environmental safety, and regulatory compliance when transitioning away from hazardous UV stabilizers.
