Bio-based long lasting safe and sustainable by design surface coatings for demanding and extreme conditions

Surface coatings are essential for protecting materials and enhancing their functionality, but the reliance on fossil resources necessitates safer, sustainable alternatives that maintain high performance while reducing environmental impact. To address these challenges, BLUECOAT will develop 12 safe, sustainable, bio-based, and low-carbon emission coating formulations for the marine, textile, and construction sectors that are challenging and demanding conditions for coatings. The project will explore 4 bio-based feedstocks: bio-derived polymers, natural fibres, bioplastics, and plant-based proteins, to develop 6 optimized coatings consisting of bio-based PU, bio-based silicone, PLA, natural fibres with antimicrobial agents (such as chitosan and curcumin), and encapsulates with Phase Change Materials (PCM). BLUECOAT formulations will cut GHG emissions by 45% and minimize Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) while delivering superior performance under industrially relevant conditions (TRL 5). BLUECOAT solutions will provide antifouling and anti-corrosion protection for ship hulls, weatherproof, antimicrobial, and durable features for outdoor technical garments, and flame-retardant and antifungal for insulation boards in marine, textile, and construction sectors, respectively. The BLUECOAT’s vision is to establish a suite of comprehensive Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design criteria guiding the development of bio-based coatings throughout their lifecycle, emphasizing circularity, energy and resource efficiency. The project will conduct the ex-post environmental assessment, techno-economic feasibility of scaling potential products, socioeconomic impact analysis for ensuring sustainable market adoption and long-term viability of the developed coatings. It will also explore End-of-Life strategies like biodegradability and recycling to extend material utility and support sustainable practices.