Interview: “A toolbox with a rather limited number of available components”
There are many challenges in developing bio-based coatings. Joost Broeders, technical director at Baril Coatings, identifies these challenges and explains how they can be addressed. Here he underscores how performance is essential for the success of a bio-based system.
What are the main challenges in developing bio-based coatings?
Joost Broeders: The challenges we encounter in developing bio-based coatings as a company are in the first place, availability of bio-based raw materials. Although more and more suppliers are working on developing bio-based coating components (binders, additives), it is a toolbox with a rather limited number of available components.
Secondly, when bio-based alternatives are available, they do not always meet the conventional product specifications. The performance should of course at least be equal, but preferably they should outperform the conventional components, and/or add an additional performance parameter. The latter would definitely help in the overall acceptance process in industry. We have successful examples of such bio-based components, for instance, with better surface tolerance and curing at lower temperature (e.g., phenalkamine based activators for epoxy products).
Thirdly, when commercially available they should be supplied in constant quality and in the required quantities. We have experience with bio-based components that met all criteria along the coating development stages, but in upscaling and even at the point of market introduction, gradually decreased in performance. An open and transparent dialogue throughout the supply chain is essential to prevent such issues.
As an SME, we know we can’t change the world; but by setting up intense one-on-one cooperation with raw material suppliers and by taking part in the Netherlands and EU-wide consortia to perform research on new bio-based building blocks and develop bio-based coatings with the created resins/additives/raw materials, we actively take part in co-initiating irreversible change. This is the ultimate way to fulfil goal 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – create partnerships!
How would you rate the performance of bio-based coatings compared to conventional ones?
Broeders: To reiterate, the performance should at least be equal to conventional coatings. For us it is an essential part of the process of developing (bio-based) coatings. Concept formulations are constantly checked on the properties/performance in comparison to reference products. When introducing newly developed products, we select a number of certifications and have the products tested and certified. So, for both our Decorative and Protective Industrial coatings we can rate our bio-based qualities as good to even excellent in performance.
How would you describe the outlook for bio-based raw materials?
Broeders: Besides the rather limited overall ‘toolbox’ and the setbacks we encountered in our pioneering years, I have to say that bio-based raw materials helped us in the challenging situation of general shortages last year, as the availability of these bio-based alternatives was much better than the fossil-based versions. In many cases we could fulfil our customers’ needs, where others were unable.
