Innovative solutions for safe and sustainable coatings
Thanks to their excellent ability to repel oil and water and resist high temperatures, a family of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) enjoy extensive use in many consumer and industrial products, including coatings. However, these human-made chemicals do not break down easily, accumulating in and harming the environment, the food we eat and our bodies. Sustainable alternatives to PFAS-based coatings are urgently needed to further the EU’s strategy for a toxic-free environment. This is where BIO-SUSHY comes in. The project is developing innovative, eco-friendly water- and oil-repellent coating solutions to help industries move away from the use of PFASs. Targeting the textile, food packaging and cosmetics packaging industries, BIO-SUSHY is setting the stage for new coatings that perform better, are safe for humans and the ecosystem, and are also sustainable.
Practical, safe and sustainable from start to finish
“What sets BIO-SUSHY apart is our commitment to implementing the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD framework), an approach championed by the EU,” explains project coordinator Mireille Poelman of Materia Nova, Belgium. “This framework ensures that our materials are practical and adhere to the highest safety and sustainability standards from their conception.” Three PFAS-free coatings are being developed using bio-based thermoplastic powder and hybrid sol-gel technologies. “These coatings represent a paradigm shift in sustainable alternatives, demonstrating promising performance in various applications, including food trays, textiles and glass cosmetic packaging,” states Poelman. Also in the works is a BIO-SUSHY Hub that will promote informed decision-making and future innovations in coating development. To further BIO-SUSHY’s goals, Materia Nova recently entered into a strategic partnership with the project’s advisor Axcentive. As described in a news item published in the European coatings magazine ‘Pitture e Vernici’, the coordinator–advisor partnership targets the development of smart and functional PFAS-free coatings using innovative nanotechnology. Moving forward, BIO-SUSHY intends to further refine and optimise its coatings, thoroughly assessing their performance, toxicity and environmental impact. Efforts will also be made to improve data management, form new partnerships and strengthen communication channels. The BIO-SUSHY (Sustainable surface protection by glass-like hybrid and biomaterials coatings) project is expected to have an impact even after it ends in 2026. It will not only help industries to become less reliant on PFAS-based coatings, but also set a precedent for sustainable materials design. “By providing a robust framework for SSbD-driven innovation and influencing policy recommendations and standardisation, BIO-SUSHY will accelerate the transition towards a greener, safer and more resilient industry landscape,” concludes Poelman. If you are interested in having your project featured as a ‘Project of the Month’ in an upcoming issue, please send us an email to editorial@cordis.europa.eu and tell us why!
Keywords
BIO-SUSHY, coating, sustainable, polyfluoroalkyl, PFAS, packaging