What is South Coast AQMD?

Learn more about the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) and how it relates to compliance in industrial products such as adhesives.

South Coast AQMD At a Glance

In Southern California, air quality regulations are led by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD). Created under the federal Clean Air Act and the California Clean Air Act, the organization develops and enforces rules that reduce emissions from businesses and industries to protect public health and meet federal and state air quality standards.

Setting the Benchmark for Emissions Compliance

For adhesives manufacturers and users, South Coast AQMD sets the benchmark for volatile organic compound (VOC) limits and other emissions-related requirements. Standards established by this organization not only guide what products can be used in California, but also influence regulatory practices across the country and internationally.

South Coast AQMD Rule 1168: Adhesive and Sealant Applications

One of the most relevant VOC regulations for the adhesives industry is South Coast AQMD Rule 1168: Adhesive and Sealant Applications. Its purpose is to reduce VOCs, toxic air contaminants, and ozone-depleting compounds from the use and storage of adhesives, sealants, primers, and related products. The rule applies not only to manufacturers and distributors but also to facilities and end users within the South Coast AQMD region. In short, if adhesives are being made, sold, or applied in Southern California, they must comply with this rule.

South Coast AQMD Compliant Wood Adhesives

Most of Franklin's wood adhesive formulations are designed to comply with the VOC benchmarks established under South Coast AQMD Rule 1168, providing manufacturers with solutions that align with regulatory requirements in California and beyond.

Learn more about South Coast AQMD regulations and access additional resources on their official website.

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Franklin Adhesives & Polymers is a division of Franklin International. About Franklin International: Established in 1935, Franklin International is among the largest privately held manufacturers of adhesives and sealants in the U.S. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company maintains multiple manufacturing and distribution locations in the U.S. and a plant in Guangzhou, China. The company maintains two divisions: Franklin Adhesives & Polymers provides pressure-sensitive adhesives for labels, tapes and graphics applications, and adhesives for wood assembly markets, and the Construction Division manufactures Titebond-brand wood glues, construction adhesives, sealants and flooring products.

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_References

_{South Coast Air Quality Management District. (2022, November 4). Rule 1168: Adhesive and sealant applications. South Coast AQMD. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from https://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/rule-book/reg-xi/rule-1168.pdf}

_{South Coast Air Quality Management District. (n.d.). About SOUTH COAST AQMD: Mission; What is the South Coast AQMD? Retrieved September 17, 2025, from https://www.aqmd.gov/aq-spec/aboutSouth Coast AQMD#mission}