RECOAT Kicks Off: Biobased Materials for the Coatings Industry

The project kickoff started with an introductory meeting aimed at identifying and collecting the questions and knowledge participants were looking for. These participants, including lab technicians, R&D staff, and professionals with chemical expertise, provided input that will shape the foundation for the upcoming in-depth workshops.

Getting to Work

During the meeting, the speakers provided an overview of the latest developments in biobased materials for paint, ink, adhesives, and sealants. Companies have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge by participating in the project, where they can actively work with biobased samples in subsequent workshops and test them in their own products. It was a strong kickoff for the RECOAT project, marked by an enthusiastic, hands-on atmosphere.

Jeroen Hagman, Sustainability Project Leader at VVVF and responsible for regulatory & public affairs at sister association VLK, opened the kickoff meeting and provided an explanation of the RECOAT project. He emphasized that transitioning to sustainably produced, renewable materials is a key pathway for a circular and low-carbon coatings industry. "There is already a great deal of knowledge within the sector," Hagman said, "but participation especially offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the opportunity to stay updated on the latest developments and to actively work with the samples provided."

Reducing ecological footprint

The use of fossil-based raw materials, along with the energy consumed during the production and application of paints and inks, is a major contributor to the overall ecological footprint of the paint and printing ink sector. The two-year RECOAT project provides insights and tools for the coatings industry to transition from fossil-based ingredients to more renewable ones. This shift requires the creation of new value chains, where technological innovations in renewable ingredients and their commercial production are aligned with the needs of companies that manufacture coatings.

Knowledge transfer

The RECOAT project facilitates tailored knowledge transfer, focusing on region-specific or company-specific contexts to drive change and provide a clear course of action. This is accomplished by organizing workshops that share and interpret available information, along with creating a dissemination toolbox that includes a variety of knowledge products.

Successful Meeting

The positive reactions from project partners and participants clearly indicate that the meeting was a success:

“It was a very inspiring afternoon and a great kickoff for the RECOAT project, allowing the participating parties to shed light on the path toward sustainable solutions. Like many industries, and particularly the paint industry, there are still many challenges to address in solving the sustainability puzzle. Understanding and connection make it easier to piece together this puzzle, and projects like RECOAT, along with the associated meetings, make a significant contribution,” said Marc ten Have, Business Development Manager at Cargill Bioindustrials.

Dilek Ersu, Senior Business Development Manager at Chaincraft agrees: “I greatly value how these events create a trustworthy platform for collaborative brainstorming sessions, enhancing our understanding of the needs and potentials within the industry. To achieve a circular and sustainable future, we need both commitment and dedication from the entire industry along with a shared perspective. I hope that many solid connections will be established, and open conversations will help set ambitious, yet realistic expectations, leading to meaningful actions.”

Benno de Vries, lecturer in Chemical Technology from project partner MNEXT, also reflects positively on the day: “It was great to see how various companies, both large and small, are implementing the use of non-fossil raw materials. Additionally, there is a clear need for an overview of developments in non-fossil materials, which we will incorporate into the educational materials we are developing at MNEXT.”

The first workshop will take place on November 20, focusing on several key aspects. On March 11, there will be opportunities for further networking through one-on-one conversations. Interested participants can register here online for these events.