GB/T 20623-2025 in English

Background and Significance of the Standard Revision

GB/T 20623-2025, "Emulsions for Architectural Coatings," is the first revision of the 2006 version, reflecting over a decade of technological advancement and increased environmental protection requirements in my country's architectural coatings industry. The new standard, implemented in 2025, is jointly issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Standardization Administration of China, and is managed by the National Technical Committee for Standardization of Paints and Pigments (SAC/TC5).

This revision responds to national green building materials policies and environmental regulations, focusing on three key areas: volatile organic compound control, hazardous substance limitations, and product performance enhancements. Compared to the 2006 version, the new standard features a comprehensive upgrade in technical content, adding multiple environmental indicators and performance requirements.

Analysis of Main Technical Changes

Compared with the 2006 version, the new standard has undergone structural adjustments and substantial technical improvements. The main changes are reflected in the following five aspects:

Product classification system

The new standard establishes a complete classification system for emulsions for architectural coatings for the first time, adopting the dual classification principles of function and purpose:

Classification by function

• General type: Suitable for general architectural coatings needs
• Elasticity: With elastic function, elongation at break ≥600%

Classification by purpose

• Class A: Emulsion for overprint varnish
• Class B: Emulsion for other uses

This classification method better meets market demand and provides clear technical guidance for different application scenarios.

Comparison of Technical Requirements and Indicators

The new standard has been comprehensively upgraded in terms of technical requirements, especially the environmental protection indicators and mechanical performance requirements:

Environmental protection indicator requirements

Physical performance requirements

New mechanical performance requirements for elastic emulsions:

• Tensile strength: ≥1.0 MPa under standard conditions
• Elongation at break: ≥600% under standard conditions, ≥200% at -10℃

Test method update and optimization

The new standard has been comprehensively updated in terms of test methods, and the latest national standard test methods have been adopted:

Key testing equipment requirements

The standard clearly stipulates the specifications of key testing equipment, such as:

• Tensile testing machine: in accordance with GB/T 528 requirements
• Gas chromatograph: equipped with hydrogen flame ionization detector
• Headspace sampling device: for residual monomer detection
• High-speed disperser: disc-shaped stirring head, 40mm diameter

Update of detection method

• VOC content detection: adopt the latest method of GB/T 23986.2-2023
• Formaldehyde content detection: adopt acetylacetone spectrophotometry
• APEO content detection: newly added ultrasonic extraction method
• Residual monomer detection: detailed provisions in the normative appendix

Implementation suggestions and technical countermeasures

Production enterprise response strategy

In response to the requirements of the new standard, paint emulsion manufacturers need to upgrade their technology in the following aspects:

Testing Laboratory Construction

It is recommended that enterprise laboratories be equipped with the following key equipment:

• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: for VOC and SVOC detection
• Headspace Autosampler: for residual monomer analysis
• Electronic Tensile Testing Machine: equipped with a low-temperature chamber for mechanical property testing
• Constant Temperature and Humidity Chamber: to meet the requirements of standard maintenance conditions

Impact Analysis of Standard Implementation

Impact on the Industry

The implementation of the new standard will have a profound impact on the architectural coatings industry:

• Increased technical threshold: prompting companies to increase R&D investment and eliminate outdated production capacity
• Accelerated product upgrades: promoting the development of environmentally friendly, high-performance emulsion products
• Changes in the market landscape: companies with technological advantages will gain a larger market share
• Internationalization: technical indicators will be aligned with advanced international standards, enhancing international competitiveness

Impact on downstream applications

Improving the quality of emulsions used in architectural coatings will directly improve the performance of the final coatings:

• Significantly improved environmental performance of coatings and significantly reduced VOC emissions
• Improved mechanical properties of coating films and extended service life
• Optimized construction performance and expanded application scope
• Providing better material support for green building certification

Summary and Outlook

GB/T The release and implementation of the national standard 20623-2025 "Emulsions for Architectural Coatings" marks a new stage of development for my country's architectural coatings emulsion industry. The new standard not only raises the environmental performance requirements for products, but also sets higher standards for product quality and application performance.

With the implementation of the standard, the industry is expected to exhibit the following development trends:

1. Environmentally friendly emulsions will become the mainstream of the market, and the process of water-based emulsions will be further accelerated
2. Demand for functional emulsions, such as those with special functions such as elasticity, antibacterial properties, and self-cleaning, will increase
3. Testing technology continues to advance, and rapid testing methods will be widely used
4. Industry integration is accelerating, and technological innovation capabilities have become core competitiveness

Related companies are advised to make technical preparations in advance and strengthen R&D and innovation to adapt to the requirements of the new standard and gain a favorable position in future market competition.