Water-based RAL K5 — 90% fewer solvents

To mark RAL’s centenary, the RAL K5 colour fan decks have switched to water-borne paint. That applies to both versions: high gloss and semi-matt.

The switch saves roughly ninety per cent of volatile organic compound emissions compared with the earlier production on nitrocellulose lacquer. The colours are therefore low in solvents and low in odour, while colour fastness and tolerances remain unchanged.

The fan deck has been improved in several other ways at the same time. The paper has a higher grammage, which helps stability, and UV resistance has been increased to counter yellowing. The decks are produced in Germany, which saves unnecessary transport.

The packaging has been addressed too: the cover is uncoated, unlaminated paper without film, the secondary packaging no longer carries additional film, and a straight finish on the fan leaves reduces production waste.

The thicker paper slightly changes the dimensions: the high-gloss version measures 5.5 × 15.6 × 7.2 cm, the semi-matt 5.5 × 15.6 × 7.5 cm. The decks are marked Edition 2024.

In the Benelux, RAL products are represented by the Nederlands Kleur Instituut, which provides advice and training alongside supply.