An acrylic paint with a lower environmental impact was developed in a cross-border cooperation project

The new technologies developed expand the possibilities of companies in the chemical and plastic industry to switch from linear production based on fossil raw materials to a circular economy based on renewable raw materials.

The goal of the cross-border cooperation project "BioStyrene" (ER30) carried out in 2019-2022 was to develop more economical solutions based on renewable raw materials to replace the currently widespread fossil chemical, styrene, in various materials. The work took place with the participation of four partners.

The main focus was on the replacement of styrene with bio-based isosorbide in various surface coatings, and special attention was paid to the minimal possible environmental impact of the new bioplastic, as well as the possibilities of reuse or recycling. For example, an acrylic paint was developed where styrene is largely replaced by a bio-based alternative.

The leading partner of the project was the University of Tartu, the scaling of the technology was carried out at the Tartu-based TBD Biodiscovery company.

In addition, TBD Biodiscovery from Estonia and St. Petersburg State University of Forestry and paint manufacturing company Vapa St. from St. Petersburg also contributed.

Project BioStyrene (ER30) is implemented under the European Neighborhood Instrument and co-financed by the European Union. The amount of programme co-financing has been 292 610.43€.

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