Trinseo's Brent Horne Featured in PCI Magazine

Brent Horne, Sales Director, CASE, Latex Binders North America, recently penned an article for PCI Magazine that explores the shift toward bio-based materials in the coatings industry and the opportunities and challenges manufacturers face during this transition.

An excerpt from the article can be found below:

"Bio-based coatings typically replace petroleum-derived raw materials with renewable feedstocks sourced from plants or other biological materials. Unlike traditional fossil-fuel-based binders and resins, bio-based alternatives are formulated from renewable carbon sources such as vegetable oils, starches or biopolymers like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Leveraging these materials in bio-based coatings contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions and resource consumption over the product lifecycle, primarily through the use of renewable feedstocks and energy-efficient production processes.

However, the shift from fossil-based to bio-based binders is not a simple one-to-one substitution. Differences in chemical structure and physical properties necessitate adjustments in coating formulations. Key parameters such as viscosity, adhesion and drying time can vary significantly, requiring careful reformulation to maintain or improve performance characteristics. For example, bio-based binders may exhibit different film formation behavior or interact differently with pigments and additives, influencing the final coating's durability and appearance.

Manufacturers must therefore strike a balance between bio-based content and technical performance. Achieving this equilibrium is critical to the successful and widespread adoption of bio-based coatings, as end-users demand products that do not compromise quality, longevity or application efficiency. This technical challenge underscores the importance of formulation expertise and iterative development processes to optimize bio-based coating systems."

Horne's comprehensive analysis highlights how, through Trinseo's specialization, manufacturers can leverage technical expertise and specialized facilities to successfully implement bio-based solutions while meeting performance requirements in an increasingly regulated marketplace.

To read the full article, visit PCI Magazine.