Designing For Low-Emission Environments With Low VOC Tapes
Designing for low-emission environments isn’t just about creating a better user experience. It’s about meeting regulatory requirements, protecting brand reputation and reducing long-term liability, especially in global markets for electronics, appliances and automotive.
That’s why product designers and engineers are placing greater emphasis on how materials contribute to volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. The pressure sensitive adhesives you select can be part of the solution.
Why are low emissions a focus in product design
Many new products have a recognizable odor. It’s sometimes called “new car smell” but it also refers to the distinctive chemical scent of newly opened and installed electronic devices or appliances.
That odor is caused by VOC emissions, which occur as materials release trapped chemical compounds into the surrounding space. Over time, as these chemicals dissipate, the odors fade away.
VOCs become problematic in enclosed or semi-enclosed environments. With the lack of airflow, these chemicals accumulate in the environment. Some examples include:
- vehicle interiors
- appliance housings (ovens, microwaves, laundry units)
- electronic enclosures
- small indoor spaces
From a design standpoint, this creates two challenges:
- Increased user exposure risk over time, cause discomfort and health issues
- Compliance pressure from evolving global standards (automotive OEM specs, indoor air quality regulations, etc.)
Where adhesives contribute to VOC emissions
While plastics, foams and textiles are often cited as VOC sources, the adhesives used in assembly can be an overlooked contributor.
Common VOC contributors in adhesive systems include:
- aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., toluene, benzene, xylene)
- formaldehyde
- esters and ketones (often found in solvent-based or certain silicone systems)
These compounds can be introduced during:
- coating and lamination processes
- curing or crosslinking reactions
- long-term off-gassing from pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs)
Problems and outcomes from VOC emissions
The impact of VOC emissions goes beyond unpleasant odor. For end users, long term exposure can lead to discomfort and health concerns:
- throat and eye irritation
- headaches and dizziness
- respiratory sensitivity with prolonged exposure
Because electronics and appliances often operate in enclosed spaces, and at times operating with high heat exposure that accelerate off-gassing, emissions from adhesives can accumulate. That makes low-VOC material selection critical to both compliance and user experience.
For product performance and brand risk:
- failure to meet OEM or regulatory VOC thresholds
- product returns or customer complaints
- negative perception tied to odor or “chemical smell”
- potential redesigns late in the product lifecycle
In short, VOC emissions can move from a materials issue to a product-level risk.
Low emission pressure sensitive adhesive solutions
Acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) help manufacturers control VOC output in enclosed environments and support low-emission product design across electronics, appliances and automotive.
Unlike liquid or spray adhesives, PSAs are clean to apply, reach handling strength quickly and support efficient assembly. At the same time, engineered low-emission formulations help reduce VOCs and fogging, making it easier to meet evolving compliance standards.
Acrylic foam tapes for structural bonding
Double-sided acrylic foam tapes engineered for low volatile organic (LVO) emissions provide both structural bonding and sealing in a single layer. Compared to standard acrylic foam tapes, the LVO Family of 3MTM VHBTM Tape can reduce total VOC output by up to 85% and fogging by up to 80%, while maintaining long-term durability.
Because these tapes combine an adhesive layer with a compressible foam core, they help eliminate mechanical fasteners and separate sealing materials. This simplifies the assembly while reducing potential sources of emissions.
Choose acrylic foam tapes when:
- Structural bonding and sealing are required
- Surfaces are uneven or require gap filling
- Assembling panels, trim or enclosures
- Exposure includes vibration, moisture or thermal cycling
- You need to bond low surface energy (LSE) plastics like polypropylene
Learn more about 3MTM VHBTM Tape and download our free eBook.
Adhesive transfer tapes for thin, low-emission bonding
Adhesive transfer tapes provide a thin, uniform layer of acrylic adhesive, making them well suited for applications where minimal thickness and precise bonding are required. They are also frequently converted into custom components — laminated with foams, sponges or films and die cut to specification.
3M™ Low VOC Adhesive Transfer Tape 59812LVC offers over 80% reduced VOCs compared with standard 3M tapes while supporting thin-bonding applications.
Explore SRP thin-bonding solutions from 3M.
Choose a low-VOC adhesive transfer tape when:
- You’re creating a custom, die-cut adhesive component
- You need a thin, uniform bond line
- Application involves films, foams or laminated constructions
- Adhesive coverage spans large surface areas
- Product is used in enclosed or human-facing environments
- Assembling thin materials
- A seamless, “lineless” appearance is required
Comparing low VOC adhesive solutions
The choice between using an LVO acrylic foam tape and an LVO adhesive transfer tape comes down to whether the application requires structural support and gap filling or a thin, uniform bond.
| Property | 3M VHB LVO Acrylic Foam Tape | 3M Low VOC Adhesive Transfer Tape 59812LVC |
| Thickness | Medium to thick (0.4-1.6 mm) | Thin (0.13 mm) |
| Uses | Bonding, sealing, gap filling | Thin bonding layer, custom converting |
| VOC reduction | Up to 85% | Up to 80% |
| Fogging reduction | Up to 80% | Low fogging (VDA tested) |
| Key testing methods | VDA (278, 270) | JASO M902, VDA 278, SAE J1756 |
| FDA compliance | 21 CFR 175.105 for indirect food contact applications | N/A |
| Substrates | Adheres to a wide range of surfaces, including low surface energy plastics | Reliable bonding with metal, plastic, foams and fabrics |
| Temperature resistance | Up to 250°F | 250°F long term, 300°F short term |
| Top applications | Structural bonding, trim and panels for electronics, appliances and automotive interiors | Thin bonding and converted components for electronics, appliances, automotive interiors |
Work with SRP for custom low-emission adhesive solutions
Looking to reduce VOCs and eliminate “new product” odor in your design? It starts with smarter material selection early in the process. SRP sources and converts low-VOC pressure-sensitive tapes from 3M into application-specific components built to your specifications.
Upload your CAD file to request a quote or connect with our team to get started.