Making Inroads with Bio-based Raw Materials

To what extent have bio-based raw material made inroads in coatings development?

In recent years, bio-based raw materials have become increasingly popular in coatings and inks applications. Typically, these raw materials are used in applications where they offer a better cost/performance ratio than traditional oil-based alternatives. For example, vegetable oils are a key component in alkyd resin-based paints and coatings, while additives such as cellulose and starch are used to improve viscosity and flow. However, the use of renewable resources in coating formulations using other binding technologies, such as polyurethanes, acrylics or epoxies, remains limited. This is due to the limited availability of suitable monomers or building blocks. The entire industry, however, is constantly exploring new options and working to expand the use of bio-based materials in a wider range of applications. This is also part of our innovation activities at Evonik Coating Additives.

Where do you see further potential for bio-based coatings?

As more end-customers and consumers become aware of the negative environmental impact of conventional coatings, there is a growing need for environmentally friendly solutions. Bio-based coatings, made from renewable resources, are often seen as a more sustainable choice.

We are seeing a significant increase in the use of bio-based materials, particularly in decorative paints, printing inks and wood coatings.

If we can produce traditional building blocks or resins from bio-based raw materials, the potential to replace binders as the main ingredient in coatings and inks is enormous.

Which factors will push the use of bio-based coatings in the near future?

We see three factors driving the use of bio-based coatings in the United States. Firstly, there is increasing demand from consumers for eco-friendly products and bio-based coatings are considered a sustainable alternative to oil-based coatings. This demand is expected to boost adoption of bio-based coatings across multiple industries. Secondly, improvements in technology have made it more cost-effective to produce bio-based coatings using bio-based secondary raw materials, biotechnology/fermentation, and the mass balance approach. Finally, as the chemical industry expands its capacity to produce bio-based coatings, the cost of production is expected to decrease, making them a more cost-effective option. However, customers are unwilling to compromise on performance and durability, especially in terms of weathering and corrosion resistance. Therefore, it is crucial to develop more durable bio-based coatings that can compete with oil-based products in terms of performance and durability.