Maxwell Shumba
Director Global Regulatory Strategy, USA
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Nat Prod Chem Res
Cobalt is known as a highly effective metal used in many applications and industries, including use as a drier additive in the paints and coatings industry. For many years, cobalt carboxylates have been a popular drier choice for paints and coatings because they are versatile and can be utilized with different types of resins such as alkyds and acrylics, and in waterborne and solvent borne systems. However, in recent years, cobalt and its compounds have faced sustainability challenges in the paint and coatings industry as a result of toxicity and sourcing concerns. Methyl ethyl ketoxime (MEKO) is a popular compound for use as an anti-skinning agent in alkyd coatings. However, this solution has also faced regulatory challenges, with restrictions and stricter labeling requirements being implemented in various parts of the world. As MEKO anti-skinning agents and cobalt paint driers are commonly used together in coatings, formulators need efficient replacements that meet new regulatory requirements without sacrificing coating performance. This presentation will cover the regulatory, toxicity, and sourcing concerns surrounding these two materials as well as non-toxic alternatives for both, focusing on the path to reformulation with data demonstrating the performance benefits of Borchers’ cobalt and MEKO alternatives.
Dr. Maxwell Shumba is Borchers' advocacy leader with global regulatory authorities and is responsible for setting up regulatory chemical compliance systems and governance processes to ensure product compliance. He oversees a global compliance technical team and strategic processes for Regulatory Commercial Marketing, Product Stewardship, Chemical Compliance, and Sustainability, playing a key role in strategic product placement of Borchers' products around the world. Dr. Shumba holds master's and doctorate degrees in chemistry from the University of Cincinnati and is a board director and member of several committees within the Cobalt Institute.
