The European paint and coatings market is projected to grow from USD 37.2 billion in 2023 to USD 41.6 billion by 2028.2 While a majority of currently used ingredients are fossil based, prospects show an increasing demand for sustainable paint and coatings, especially in the professional and DIY industries. To enable a smooth transition from fossil to sustainable products, the industry is in desperate need for high-performance, bio-based solutions, especially for bio-polymers and lipids, binders, fillers, pigments, and additives like functional nano-materials. These major component groups combined account for nearly 70% of ingredients.2 In the first two years of examination, the E.U.-funded research project PERFECOAT successfully developed innovative bio-based solutions from bio-waste and agricultural residues. These will be tested in the formulation of three use cases: UV-curable clear coatings for wood, waterborne trim paints for DIY, and waterborne wall paints.
From Alginate, Xylan, Chitosan to Yeast – A Colorful Buffet of Bio-Based Binders