From sugar cane to sustainable paints

 
The development of sustainable paints is gaining significant attention, with a key focus on their renewability. Renewable paints can be formulated using both segregated and non-segregated renewable feedstocks, often achieving or surpassing the performance of traditional, non-sustainable paints. Non-segregated renewable feedstocks, such as bio-based mass balance resins and solvents, are produced in conventional petrochemical facilities using bio-based feedstock. These feedstocks typically have a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil alternatives. For instance, sugarcane, which absorbs substantial amounts of CO2, can be fermented into ethanol. This ethanol is then converted into bio-based feedstock, which is subsequently transformed into resins and solvents. This study presents formulated bio-based industrial paints, comparing their technical performance and carbon footprint with those of fossil-based paints. The carbon footprint of the resins and solvents is assessed through a life cycle inventory, from cradle (sugarcane plantation) to gate (Braskem warehouse). Additionally, the article provides a brief overview of land use for sugarcane plantations and their productivity. Key characteristics and parameters, such as theoretical Relative Evaporation Rate, theoretical Hansen Solubility Parameters (?D for Dispersion, ?P for Polarity, and ?H for hydrogen bonding), and Carbon Footprint, among others are explored and compared.