Epoxy systems are extensively used in the coating and construction industries because they provide long-term protection. With excellent adhesive properties, chemical resistance and corrosion resistance, epoxy systems are important for applications ranging from automotive to aerospace to protective coatings on bridges and petrochemical facilities. Recently, however, customers’ desire for enhanced sustainability is driving a shift toward new solutions. This article summarizes the main trends and drivers of improved sustainability for epoxy resin systems. It discusses various approaches to increase renewable carbon content, using more sustainable ingredients and reducing the product carbon footprint (PCF) of epoxy materials. These efforts show the industry's commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible business practices.²˒³

Regulatory and Carbon Neutrality Drivers

Improved sustainability in epoxy systems is influenced by a variety of global regulations. Current regulatory drivers include the European Green Deal, which is pushing Europe to be climate-neutral by 2050, while the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act has promoted investments in clean energy (e.g., wind energy blades that are based on epoxy systems). Moreover, starting in 2025, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will introduce new reporting standards as part of the European Green Deal.⁴ Starting in 2026, California will require certain companies to provide disclosures on greenhouse gas emissions, climate-related financial risks and measures adopted to reduce and adapt to such risks.⁵

Commitment to Sustainability and ESG Goals

Epoxy manufacturers are significantly enhancing their focus on sustainability and other ESG goals. For example, Westlake has established a target to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon dioxide emissions per ton of production.² Specifically, for the purposes of tracking performance results over time of Westlake’s goal to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO₂ emissions per ton of production by 20% by 2030 from a 2016 baseline, Westlake uses a combination of standard and site-specific emission factors (EPA or industrial). 

Other epoxy suppliers are also committing to Scope 1 and 2 emission level reductions. There is a strong emphasis on health and safety with a goal of zero accidents and injuries. Companies are also working to improve recycling, developing products with recycled content and increasing the availability of more sustainable products.² To help achieve customers’ circular economy goals, epoxy manufacturers are developing cleaner production methods, improving energy and material efficiency and moving to renewable energy sources.

Measuring, Reporting and Reducing Emissions

Accurate measurement and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions are essential for achieving improved sustainability. Emissions fall into three categories: Scope 1, which includes direct emissions; Scope 2, covering indirect emissions from energy use; and Scope 3, which pertains to indirect emissions from the value chain. When it comes to reporting, voluntary efforts involve setting targets and publicly sharing data, while mandatory reporting will be implemented through the CSRD and California SB 253 (for greenhouse gas emissions) and SB 261 (for climate risks).⁶

There are several approaches that epoxy manufacturers are considering to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions. For instance, exploring investments in e-boilers for steam generation and switching to renewable electricity sources can make a big difference in reducing indirect emissions. Other options such as improved insulation, using LED lighting and upgrading equipment can also lower energy consumption. Additionally, transitioning to fossil fuel alternatives such as biofuels, biogas or electric vehicles can further shrink the carbon footprint. By embracing these strategies, manufacturers of epoxy and curing agents are making progress toward their emission reduction goals.

Improving Sustainability in Epoxy Systems

Boosting the renewable carbon content in epoxy products is one important route for enhanced sustainability. Resin manufacturers are developing bio-based epoxy resins derived from renewable sources such as lignin, isosorbide, sorbitol, cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) and soybean oil.⁷⁻⁹ These initiatives are part of a larger industry effort to promote product circularity, including through various recycling techniques such as chemical and mechanical recycling. By incorporating more renewable resources and recycled content, the industry is working to lessen its reliance on fossil resources (fuels and raw materials) and foster a more sustainable approach to producing epoxy resins and amine curing agents.

Reformulating products to use alternative raw materials is another important area of focus within the industry. This reformulation involves eliminating certain regulated substances such as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic) and SVHCs from epoxy systems. This shift not only makes products more sustainable but also ensures that they meet customer demands to avoid certain regulated chemicals.

Tracking the carbon footprint of epoxy products is vital for monitoring and enhancing sustainability efforts. A cradle-to-gate approach is used to calculate the total greenhouse gas emissions from raw materials to drummed products that are ready for shipment to warehouses or to customers.¹⁰ Certifications like the ISCC PLUS methodology, which uses a mass balance approach, are becoming more popular among resin manufacturers to introduce lower product carbon footprint products.

Some companies such as Westlake Epoxy are innovating with improved product offerings. For example, manufacturing epoxy resin from Bio ECH (derived from glycerin), and BPA derived from renewable phenol and renewable acetone sourced from used cooking oil, as well as using certified renewable energy in their operations.¹¹ These efforts highlight a strong commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of epoxy systems.

Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

The epoxy industry is establishing clear measurable goals to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. By tapping renewable energy sources and using bio-based raw materials, epoxy manufacturers are offering their customers products with improved sustainability. Epoxy resin manufacturers are also increasing the renewable carbon content in their products and reformulating products to incorporate alternative ingredients. These advancements are delivering both improved sustainability and the performance that is expected from epoxy resin systems.

Looking ahead, the epoxy industry is poised to make further technical advancements aimed at creating more sustainable epoxy systems. Market-leading companies are committed to developing more sustainable products and tracking the PCF of their commercial offerings. By collaborating across the value chain and focusing on innovative product development, the epoxy industry is on a mission to build a more sustainable future.

References

¹ The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of Westlake Epoxy Inc., its parent company (Westlake Corporation), its affiliates or its employees.
² Westlake Corporation. 2023 Sustainability Report. Westlake Corporation. https://www.westlake.com/sustainability
³ Olin Corporation. 2023 ESG Factsheet. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://olin.com/wp-content/uploads/Olin-ESG-Factsheet.pdf
⁴ Directive (EU) 2022/2464 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, Directive 2004/109/EC, Directive 2006/43/EC and Directive 2013/34/EU, as regards corporate sustainability reporting. Available online: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32022L2464 (accessed April 21, 2025).
⁵ California Air Resources Board. California Corporate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting and Climate-Related Financial. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/california-corporate-greenhouse-gas-ghg-reporting-and-climate-related-financial (accessed April 28, 2025).
⁶ Persefoni. California SB 253 and SB 261: What Businesses Need to Know. https://www.persefoni.com/blog/california-sb253-sb261 (accessed April 28, 2025).
⁷ Baroncini, E. A.; Yadav, S. K.; Palmese, G. R.; Stanzione, J. F. Recent advances in bio-based epoxy resins and bio-based epoxy curing agents. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44103. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.44103
⁸ Zhang, Y.; Liu, X.; Wan, M.; Zhu, Y.; Zhang, K. Recent development of functional bio-based epoxy resins. Molecules 2024, 29, 4428.
⁹ Wu, X.; et al. Closed-loop recyclability of a biomass-derived epoxy-amine thermoset by methanolysis. Science 2024, 384, eadj9989. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adj9989
¹⁰ Arbor. What is cradle-to-gate in carbon calculations? Carbon 101, 2024. https://www.arbor.eco/blog/what-is-cradle-to-gate-in-carbon-calculations-carbon-101 (accessed April 28, 2025).
¹¹ Westlake Corporation. Westlake Epoxy Announces the Launch of the EpoVIVE™: A New Era of Sustainable Solutions. https://www.westlake.com/news/westlake-epoxy-announces-launch-epovivetm-new-era-sustainable-solutions (accessed March 4, 2025).