Pine bark, camelina, hemp or potato peels: renewable raw materials are becoming the focus in order to produce bio-based and more sustainable paints and varnishes. However, bio-based alternatives to petroleum-based raw materials must not compete with food production. And they should not damage ecosystems, as can be the case with bioethanol or palm oil.

Solvents are also being replaced by water-based approaches, making products more health-friendly and environmentally friendly. Further sustainability efforts achieve a reduction in the CO2 footprint of paints and paints, especially when it comes to raw materials and in production, without the products losing their function – e.g. for surface protection. Re-use concepts and recycling are also a challenge: How can paint residues that end up as waste from the end consumer be processed and incorporated into a new product? .

The industry is part of a climate-neutral circular economy in construction and living. The importance of color concepts as protection against overheating of cities and buildings is increasing. When it comes to products, colors and finishes ensure longevity, robustness and durability – and thus promote the circular economy, sharing concepts and product-as-a-service approaches. There is still potential in production through the use of renewable energy, smart transport logistics and reusable concepts for paint transport vehicles.

The industry includes, for example, the production of paints, printing inks and varnishes.