The Rise of Bio-Based Solutions Aims to Future-Proof Coatings

In an effort to future-proof the coatings industry, the demand for bio-based coatings has gained significant momentum. 

The demand has been driven by a growing focus on sustainability and increasing regulatory pressures for environmentally friendly alternatives.

Despite the market for bio-based coatings being in its nascent stage, with more than half of industry professionals estimating its market share at less than 5%, there is a strong optimism among experts regarding its potential. Experts believe that bio-based coatings will experience significant growth within the next five years.

This anticipated growth is determined by several factors, including increased consumer demand for sustainable products, the influence of climate change on corporate goals, and regulatory initiatives like the EU Green Deal, which advocate for greater sustainability and circularity in manufacturing.

Industry leaders from companies such as Covestro, Auro, and Allnex, alongside academic experts, back the necessity of refining regulatory frameworks and creating a clear definition of “bio-based” to prevent confusion and encourage broader adoption. 

A survey conducted by European Coatings in March 2024 revealed that 74% of respondents believe that bio-based coatings should predominantly be made from renewable, bio-based raw materials, though opinions vary on the precise percentage required.

While bio-based coatings are often seen as a more sustainable option, the transition to these materials comes with its own set of challenges. 

The coatings industry requires solutions to improve the performance of bio-based alternatives without compromising on critical attributes such as adhesion, corrosion resistance, and weatherability. Additionally, scaling up production and reducing costs are essential for achieving commercial viability.

Research and development efforts in the field of bio-based coatings are currently focused on improving both sustainability and performance, sourcing renewable feedstocks and plant-derived compounds to replace traditional petrochemical raw materials.

One promising area of innovation is the use of non-isocyanate routes and energy-curing methods, which hopes to reduce the environmental impact of coatings production. The mass-balance approach, allowing for a transition to renewable materials while keeping production costs in check, is gaining traction as a scalable solution.

By working together, research institutions, raw material suppliers, and coatings companies aim to accelerate the development of new, sustainable formulations that meet industry needs. 

Research institutions provide valuable insights into material science, suppliers offer access to innovative bio-based compounds, and coatings manufacturers provide practical feedback on how these innovations perform in real-world applications.

As demand for sustainable solutions continues to grow, the future of bio-based coatings looks promising.

Paint and coatings analysis at The Lab

Applying the right paints and coatings is crucial for preventing corrosion in vessels, vehicles, and equipment. 

At The Lab, our skilled team employs advanced inspection tools to analyse flake samples and coating failures, identify the causes of breakdowns, and evaluate surface preparation before applying paint.

To learn more about our paint and coatings services, contact us today.

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