"We are developing more sustainable and safer coatings in conjunction with EUROCLOR and EURORESIN"
We develop two-component solutions that are safer, more efficient and isocyanate-free
Polyurethanes are essential materials due to their versatility and resistance, but their traditional production relies on isocyanates, compounds associated with significant health risks. Furthermore, the new European regulation on isocyanates requires processes to be reviewed and safer, more sustainable alternatives to be developed, in a context in which no solution capable of producing isocyanate-free polyurethanes with equivalent performance is yet available.
To address this challenge, we have launched the ISOFREE initiative to manufacture new isocyanate-free polyurethanes, in collaboration with EUROCLOR, a paint and varnish manufacturer, and EURORESIN, specialising in the production of resins. All of this is aimed at anticipating the challenges facing the sector by developing more sustainable and safer products in an increasingly competitive market.
Chemical safety, sustainability and technical performance within the same development line
We have developed new resins and polymers as a safer alternative to systems that use isocyanates, offering better prospects from a regulatory and environmental perspective.
- The project has also investigated the synthesis of coatings from renewable raw materials, such as vegetable oils and sugars, both in water-based systems and in formulations using bio-based solvents, which are more environmentally friendly than their petroleum-derived equivalents.
- We combine chemical safety, sustainability and technical performance within the same development line.
- The synthesised coatings have demonstrated good physical properties, surface appearance and finish quality, which are key factors in paving the way for their future industrial use.
Materials that are more environmentally friendly and less dependent on fossil fuels
ISOFREE represents a significant step forward for both companies towards more sustainable and safer development models linked to the bioeconomy. This collaboration helps to consolidate a line of research with great potential for the coatings sector, at a time when the industry is calling for real alternatives to conventional technologies.
The project not only addresses a regulatory requirement, but also paves the way for a new generation of materials and chemical compounds that are more environmentally friendly, less dependent on fossil resources and provide a broad scope for future development.
*ISOFREE has been funded by the Basque Government through the Hazitek Programme 2023-2025.