Beckers develops CO₂-reduced coating solution with Anodyne
With the development of renewable hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA), Beckers and Anodyne Chemistries want to create the basis for advanced coating solutions with an important low-carbon raw material. The aim is to develop a sustainable HHPA alternative for the coatings industry.
HHPA is an essential component of high-performance coating formulations. However, its carbon intensity contributes significantly to the carbon footprint of Beckers' high-performance coatings and it is derived entirely from petrochemical feedstocks. There are currently no sustainable HHPA alternatives on the market. Anodyne is pioneering the sustainable production of HHPA using CO₂ by developing entirely new enzymes. Their innovative process also utilizes renewable electricity to power these enzymes, replacing carbon-intensive energy and significantly reducing the environmental impact of HHPA production. Anodyne's research and development work is taking place in Vancouver, Canada. Compound compatibility testing is being conducted at Beckers' FutureLab innovation center in Liverpool, UK, which is developing the next generation of coil coatings.
Sustainable raw material chemical for the coatings industry
"Over the past few years, we have been working with partners to identify critical targets and expand our chemical catalog," says Manou Davies, CTO of Anodyne. "Our innovative reaction pathway enables the development of enzymes that can convert CO₂ into HHPA. "We are focusing on HHPA as it is an important chemical for the coatings industry, for which there is currently no sustainable production route based on renewable carbon," explains Gavin Bown, CTO at Beckers. "To defossilize this important raw material, we need new catalysts and processes that open up new reaction pathways. While HHPA is a top priority, we also see opportunities for other coating raw materials that can be produced using Anodyne Chemistries' highly innovative process. Our collaboration with Anodyne is part of our broader sustainable innovation strategy at the Beckers Group, where we are actively working with suppliers and start-ups in our raw material value chain to accelerate the commercialization of innovative new sustainable technologies."