You might have already noticed it during your projects, hobbies, or at work: while RESION epoxy was previously virtually odorless, it now has a more noticeable smell. This is no coincidence, but certainly no cause for concern. In this article, we explain exactly why this odor has changed!
The main takeaway: the epoxy has not become more dangerous—it has actually become much safer for your health!
In the world of chemical products like resins and hardeners, there is a persistent misconception: if a product doesn't smell like anything, the health risks must be minimal. In practice, the opposite is frequently true.
Our old epoxy formulation used a so-called 'reactive diluent' (C12-C14 alkyl glycidyl ether). This substance features a long molecular chain. The advantage was that it hardly evaporated, meaning you could barely smell a thing. The major drawback only emerged from recent European (REACH) research: the substance has been officially classified as harmful to fertility (Repr. 1B / H360F). Because you couldn't smell it, harmful effects on organs and reproduction occurred unnoticed, primarily through skin absorption. Products containing C12-C14 alkyl glycidyl ether must therefore bear the GHS-08 hazard pictogram on the label (this symbol warns of serious long-term health risks).
To provide optimal protection for your health and comply with strict European legislation, we have completely removed this old raw material from our product range.
As a safe alternative, we now use a new raw material (2-Ethylhexyl glycidyl ether). This substance possesses no fertility-impairing properties (no H360F classification) and does not compromise your long-term health.
Why do you notice the smell of this new variant more? It comes down to the molecular structure. This molecule has a shorter chain and is therefore slightly more volatile. The characteristic scent you detect now is essentially a natural 'warning odor' from the liquid. The product has absolutely not become more dangerous; the smell is simply a physical property of an ingredient that IS safe.
These modifications apply to the following RESION epoxy resins:
| Property | Old epoxy formula (C12-C14) | New epoxy formula (2-Ethylhexyl) |
| Odor perception | Virtually odorless (masked the hazard) | Noticeable, characteristic chemical scent |
| Skin irritation & allergy | Yes (H315 / H317) | Yes (H315 / H317) |
| Long-term effect | H360F (may damage fertility) | Safe for fertility |
| Consumer sales | Banned under REACH Annex XVII | Permitted |
| Employer registry obligation | 40-year mandatory record-keeping | Not applicable |
Good news: switching to the new raw material has no impact on working properties or the final result. We have thoroughly tested the new formula in our laboratory and can confirm that the epoxy bonds just as well, cures in the same way, and maintains the same clarity and UV resistance you are accustomed to. The durable finish also remains unchanged. The only noticeable change is the odor during processing, which, as explained, is actually proof that the product has become safer.
Strict legal requirements and workplace health and safety rules only apply when working with epoxy resins that still contain the harmful, odorless reactive diluent (C12-C14 alkyl glycidyl ether / CAS 68609-97-2).
Because Polyestershoppen has completely phased out this hazardous substance from its RESION epoxy systems, you can continue working with our new systems with peace of mind and no complex administrative consequences:
Do you use our epoxy professionally? You won't need to worry about administrative burdens when using RESION epoxy:
Under European REACH regulations, consumers are no longer permitted to purchase or process products carrying the old H360F classification. With our new formula, you can confidently proceed with your epoxy projects, river tables, art pieces, floorings, etc., knowing the product fully complies with modern safety standards.
The market is currently shifting rapidly. As regulations tighten, many suppliers are updating their products. However, we observe that some competitors are slow to update labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS), occasionally omitting the mandatory health hazard pictogram (GHS08) or H360F warning statement to make their product look safer than it actually is.
Keep this in mind when comparing products: with epoxy, an absence of smell unfortunately often signals that you are working with outdated, high-risk raw materials.
You can easily check for yourself whether a competitor's product still contains the old, fertility-damaging substance. Check the label for "contains..." or review Section 3 (Composition) of the Safety Data Sheet for the following details:
If you find this CAS number or name listed at a concentration higher than 0.3%, you are handling a reprotoxic product, and employers immediately become subject to the 40-year record-keeping requirement mentioned above. As a consumer, processing this product is strictly prohibited.
Processing instructions generally remain unchanged. Since the new raw material is slightly more volatile, proper ventilation is even more essential than before. Keep these guidelines in mind:
Here are the key points to remember:
At Polyestershoppen, your safety is our top priority. Through this formula update, we guarantee you can continue working with high-grade epoxy without unnecessary health risks or administrative burdens. If you have any questions about the new formula, please feel free to contact our specialists. We are happy to assist you.
Do you have a specific question? Call one of our specialists for free advice +3185 0220090
