Crown Paints Ireland, the Irish importer for the three aftermarket refinish brands of Axalta Coating Systems, DuPont Refinish, Spies Hecker and Standox has received approval for meeting the latest environmental paints regulations for vehicle refinish, which came into effect in January 2013. Crown Paints Ireland is the first Irish importer to have met the new criteria.

The European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) Regulations 2012 (S.I.No  564 of 2012) puts in place strict new regulations affecting the aftermarket repair industry. It also addresses some of the concerns of regulated bodyshops and provides greater powers to local authorities to enforce these regulations. In line with the new Irish Paints Regulations 2012, Dublin City Council agreed in May 2013 that Crown Paints fulfilled its obligations as set out in the act.

David Dempsey, Crown Paints Ireland General Sales Manager, says, "As well as supplying bodyshop networks with high-quality products and services, we have a strong focus on health, safety and the environment. Being the first importer in Ireland to meet the new Irish Paints Regulations 2012 demonstrates just how committed we are. We supply high-quality and environmentally-conscious refinish products with DuPont Refinish, Spies Hecker and Standox, so we were already in an incredibly strong position to gain compliancy."

Anthony Cashel, Axalta Coating Systems, Marketing Services Manager UK and Ireland, says, "As a market leader, we work to stay ahead of legislation. This not only benefits our distributors and importers, but also enables our bodyshops to keep a strong competitive edge."