Engagement
Along with a group of U.S. based investors, VCIM called on Sherwin-Williams to eliminate lead and similar additives from all of its products. We presented the health and environmental reasons for doing so and pointed to the fact that one of the company’s competitors had recently made this commitment.
Outcome
Sherwin-Williams responded by saying that substitutes are currently being developed for the paint that helps protect bridges and boats, but none are as effective as the current offering. As a result, the company has decided to continue its production and distribution. The automotive undercoating, in Sherwin-Williams’ view, is not unsafe.
The company notes that repair shop employees wear protective equipment when applying the paint and that layers of lead-free coatings isolate the lead additive from the environment. VCIM does not find this outcome satisfactory and will continue engaging Sherwin-Williams on this issue.
