The Use of Bio-based Raw Materials is Not the End of the Line
Society as a whole puts more emphasis on sustainable solutions and is increasingly demanding ecological alternatives (megatrend neo-ecology). Even though sustainability is much more than only “bio-based”, for many consumers this connection is still the easiest to comprehend. In the coatings business, the demand for bio-based products is, therefore, most noticeable in areas where the end consumer is greatly aware of the use of coatings.
One of the challenges that come with the increased use of bio-based raw materials is that customers do not want to compromise on quality. Since many of these raw materials are not drop-in solutions, a lot of research efforts go towards compensating for the properties they bring to a coating resin. This is especially challenging due to the lack of bio-based aromatics, as in general the bio-based raw materials are aliphatic compounds.
Another challenge that comes from the increased use of bio-based materials is their availability. Natural resources are finite, and we have to be careful how to use arable land: for food production or the production of bio-based raw materials. This is an important aspect of sustainable behaviour.