Plant extracts in paint and coating industry

Wall colours are part of our everyday lives – pretty much every room we spend time in is painted more or less brightly. It therefore makes sense to think about how the choice of products can affect our environment and our health. And what is the problem with conventional paints and coatings?

Conventional paints contain various substances that are not of mineral or vegetable origin. For example, preservatives, solvents, pigments, plasticizers, fillers. These substances are not only harmful to the environment, but also to our health.

European Green Deal aims to reduce pollutants

When it comes to chemicals, paints and coatings, the European Green Deal aims to minimise the harmful environmental impact of these products. And this is through the increased use of green and sustainable alternatives. Chemicals traditionally made from fossil fuels are to be replaced by environmentally friendly alternatives. This step is not only intended to reduce the CO2 footprint, but also to reduce harmful emissions and waste generated by conventional chemical processes.

Raw materials from plant and mineral sources as a basis

The increasing demand for eco-friendly products is encouraging many companies to explore alternative ingredients, including plant extracts, and integrate them into their manufacturing processes. In many cases, plant extracts are already used for the production of paints and varnishes. Natural dyes use raw materials from plant and mineral sources, such as oils, resins, waxes and pigments.

Ecological wall paints: benefits for the environment and health

A big advantage is that real natural paints are biodegradable. They can therefore be returned to the natural material cycle without hesitation. Natural paints and varnishes do not contain petroleum, which is non-renewable and pollutes the environment even during extraction. Plants are sustainable and only need solar energy. In addition, ecological wall paints serve the health of the living space.

There are already sustainable alternatives for these products:

1. Pigments from plant dyes: Some companies rely on natural pigments obtained from plant dyes. For example, extracts from plants such as beetroot, turmeric, spinach or bluewood are used to produce natural colours.

2. Oil-based varnishes with vegetable oils: Some varnishes are based on vegetable oils, such as linseed oil or soybean oil. These plant-derived oils serve as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical components.

Linseed oil is popular as a base for paints and varnishes. It dries quickly to a solid surface, giving the products a shiny and protective layer.

3. Plant-based wood preservatives: Plant extracts can also help protect wood from insects, fungi and other pests in wood preservatives without having to resort to chemical preservatives.

Studies predict big growth

Studies and reports from market research companies predict tremendous growth in the global market for bio-based coatings. This is partly due to the increasing application of bio-based coatings in many end-user industries, such as wood, automotive, packaging and construction. In addition, there is growing pressure from government agencies to reduce the use of mineral oil-based paints.
The health factor should not be underestimated either. Health and environmental concerns related to paints and coatings have increased noticeably in recent years. While this increases the demand for bio-based coatings, the use of toxic materials is reduced. Overall, manufacturers and consumers are becoming more aware of what will further boost the global market for bio-based paints and coatings.

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