Key takeaways from this newsletter:

• Behr recently launched "Ecomix," a premium plant-based acrylic paint that meets the 20% biobased carbon threshold required for USDA BioPreferred labeling.
• Achieving BioPreferred certification essentially depends on the incorporation of biobased acrylic latexes, which in turn depends on the availability of acrylic monomers.
• The adoption of biobased paints will also drive demand for biobased additives, as companies strive to maximize renewable content in their coatings. 
• The green momentum driven by "Ecomix" could have a transformative effect on the raw materials sector, pushing producers to increase biobased content across product lines.

Behr has generated significant attention in the coatings industry with the launch of "Ecomix," a premium plant-based acrylic paint that meets the 20% biobased carbon threshold required for USDA BioPreferred labeling. This makes "Ecomix" unique within the U.S. architectural coatings market. While there have been earlier attempts at biobased acrylics in the United States, "Ecomix" represents a promising step forward—one that may resonate with consumers and establish lasting market presence.

The acceptance of biobased architectural coatings by U.S. consumers could profoundly reshape the industry. The biobased calculation is determined by carbon content, requiring that at least 20% of the carbon in a product originate from biobased sources. Since resins are the primary carbon component in coatings, achieving BioPreferred certification essentially depends on the incorporation of biobased acrylic latexes. If consumers embrace biobased paints, resin suppliers will be motivated to expand development of these materials.

Recent innovations highlight this trend:

• Dow Phoplex RN-128: A 100% acrylic emulsion with 27% biobased carbon content, delivering performance comparable to petroleum-based binders.(1) 
• Lacper 4605: An acrylic copolymer with 55% biobased content, suitable for wood furniture coatings.(2)

If "Ecomix" succeeds commercially, more biobased resins are expected to follow.

But how are these biobased acrylic resins made? They rely on biobased monomers, an area poised for growth if demand increases. Examples include:

• 2-Octyl Acrylate (BASF): A renewable substitute for 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate.(3) 
• Biobased Acrylic Acid (LG Chem): Production began earlier this year.(4) 
• Isobornyl Methacrylate and Isobornyl Acrylate: Specialty monomers offering renewable alternatives for high-performance resins. 

The adoption of biobased paints will also drive demand for biobased additives, as companies strive to maximize renewable content. 

The green momentum driven by "Ecomix" could have a transformative effect on the raw materials sector, pushing producers to increase biobased content across product lines. Ultimately, Ecomix may mark a turning point in the broader adoption of green chemistries within the coatings industry.

(1) Bio-Based Acrylic Emulsion Offers Sustainable Resin Option for Interior Paints | PCI Magazine  

(2) Lacper 4605 - Wanhua Chemical 

(3) BASF launches biobased 2-Octyl Acrylate - bioplastics MAGAZINE

(4) LG Chem unveils 100% biobased acrylic acid | Nuu

#Behr #Ecomix #plant-based #biobased #biorenewable #monomers # additives #sustainable #innovation #coatings #chemicals #consulting

(photo credit: picture generated by Microsoft Copilot)