Bio-based coatings: key factors, challenges and future prospects
The demand for bio-based coatings is gaining momentum across industries, driven by the growing focus on sustainability and the increasing regulatory pressures for environmentally friendly alternatives. Although bio-based systems currently hold a small share of the coatings market, experts are optimistic about the potential for significant growth in the coming years.
The market for bio-based coatings is still emerging, with more than half of industry professionals estimating the market share at less than 5%. Despite this, the vast majority of experts believe that bio-based coatings will see significant growth within the next five years. The driving forces behind this expected growth include heightened consumer demand for sustainable products, the influence of climate change on corporate goals, and the increasing adoption of regulations like the EU Green Deal, which is pushing for greater sustainability and circularity in manufacturing.
Industry leaders from companies like Covestro, Auro, and Allnex, as well as academic experts, stress the importance of refining regulatory frameworks and creating a clear definition of “bio-based” to avoid confusion and facilitate broader adoption. According to a European Coatings survey conducted in March 2024, the majority of respondents (74%) believe that bio-based coatings should predominantly be formulated from renewable, bio-based raw materials, although opinions vary on the exact percentage required.
EC Short Course: Bio-based Coatings
Discover the latest developments in bio-based coatings and the challenges in transitioning from fossil to plant-based raw materials. This course will explore key questions such as which plants are suitable for bio-based production, how these raw materials are produced, and the environmental impact of using them.
Key topics include:
- Identifying plant-based raw materials like corn starch, palm oil, and secondary plant waste.
- The production process of bio-based raw materials.
- Assessing the environmental benefits and challenges of bio-based alternatives.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the future of sustainable coatings!
While bio-based coatings are often perceived as more sustainable, the transition to these materials is not without its challenges. Durability, cost-effectiveness, and performance remain key obstacles for widespread adoption. The coatings industry is focused on finding solutions to improve the performance of bio-based alternatives without compromising on attributes like adhesion, corrosion resistance, and weatherability. Moreover, scaling up production and reducing costs are critical for achieving commercial viability.
Sustainability and innovation in R&D
Research and development in bio-based coatings are currently focused on both sustainability and performance enhancement. Efforts are directed towards sourcing renewable feedstocks and plant-derived compounds to replace traditional petrochemical raw materials. The integration of renewable materials is not only driving product innovation but also offering resilience against market fluctuations and regulatory changes.
One area of innovation is the use of non-isocyanate routes and energy-curing methods, which aim to reduce the environmental impact of coatings production. The mass-balance approach, which allows for a transition to renewable materials while keeping production costs under control, is gaining popularity as a scalable solution.
Industry collaboration: a key to advancing bio-based coatings
Collaboration between research institutions, raw material suppliers, and coatings companies is essential for advancing the technology behind bio-based coatings. By working together, these stakeholders can accelerate the development of new, sustainable formulations that meet industry needs without compromising performance.
Research institutions contribute valuable insights into material science, while suppliers offer access to innovative bio-based compounds. Coatings manufacturers, on the other hand, provide practical feedback on how these innovations perform in real-world applications. This collaborative approach is key to overcoming the current challenges and ensuring the scalability of bio-based coatings.
As the demand for sustainable solutions continues to grow, the future of bio-based coatings looks promising. With continued innovation, improved regulatory frameworks, and increased collaboration, the industry is poised for significant expansion, helping to drive the transition towards more sustainable coatings across a wide range of applications.
