EZD goes green: New standards for bio-based coatings

The European Green Deal, with the goal of a completely CO2-neutral EU by 2050, also influences the research areas of the EZD in Selb. Currently, EZD scientists are intensively researching bio-based, sustainable and non-toxic formulations and coatings.

Focus on coatings
In order to be prepared for the future, new premises were opened in Selb in July 2023. The new building provides an additional 700 m² for research and development. The focus is on coatings. The establishment of a laboratory for coating and surface characterization as well as a dispersion pilot plant will expand industry-related research and enable the company to offer complete solutions from raw material to application. Special emphasis is placed on the development of bio-based and functional coatings.

Use of natural photoinitiators
As part of various research projects (national/international), scientists at EZD have been working on the development of bio-based clearcoat systems, including the use of natural, non-toxic photoinitiators based on polyphenols. These are found in plants and fruits such as grapes.

Collaboration between research and industry needed
In order to work efficiently, a close exchange with several industrial companies is necessary. In addition, the goal of the Green Deal can only be achieved through close cooperation between research and industry. For this reason, the EZD is also a founding member of the go2green network, which, with the help of an association of national companies, is driving forward the development of bio-based, non-toxic paints and coatings with reference to the Green Deal. "The responsible use of resources is a task that concerns us all. Through our research at the EZD, we are contributing to the achievement of the Green Deal," said Dr. Felipe Wolff-Fabris, EZD branch office manager.

The European Center for Dispersion Technologies (EZD) is an institution of the SKZ Plastics Center and as an interdisciplinary and non-profit research and innovation center deals with the production and characterization of dispersions such as adhesives, resins, paints, coatings or elastomers. A high priority of the EZD is the transfer of scientific research to the applied industry. Learn more about EZD