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16 April 2025

Green coatings that protect – and then disappear

How can coatings retain their protective function while also naturally breaking down? MNEXT tackles this challenge in the the GreenCoat by collaborating with Stahl International B.V. and PUROC to improve the biodegradability of widely used coatings, such as polyurethane and epoxy. Through knowledge development and applied research, this project contributes to a more sustainable coatings industry.

Sustainability without compromising performance

Polyurethane (PUR) and epoxy coatings are vital in industries like automotive and construction, offering excellent protection. However, their resistance to degradation makes recycling difficult. GreenCoat focuses on developing coatings that not only maintain their performance but also break down more quickly after use, helping reduce microplastic pollution and enhance recycling opportunities.

Innovative research for better degradation

GreenCoat builds on previous research into the biodegradability of PUR coatings, exploring the impact of molecular composition and functional groups on the degradation process. The project now aims to further improve the biodegradability of coatings by investigating pretreatment methods that can enhance biological breakdown without compromising performance.

Practical outcomes for the industry

The results of GreenCoat provide companies with valuable knowledge and tools to innovate on their own. The project addresses two critical questions for the industry:

  1. How can PUR and epoxy coatings be developed to be biodegradable without compromising performance?
  2. What pretreatment methods can improve the biodegradability of these coatings?

These insights help companies create coatings that align with circular business models while reducing environmental impact.

Stay up to date on the progress via our website or contact Samet Azman for more information.

Research theme
SDGs