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Nature Coatings has developed BioBlack TX, a carbon negative alternative to carbon black: a water-based dispersion featuring a proprietary black pigment derived from wood waste. Here, Jane Palmer, Founder and CEO of Nature Coatings, discusses its sustainability credentials for the coatings market
The paint and coatings industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a growing commitment to environmental sustainability and the urgent need to reduce the carbon footprint.
The surging appetite for eco-conscious coatings, coupled with a projected market value of US$2.1bn by 2032, underscores the pivotal role of bio-based coatings in steering us towards a more sustainable future.
In this context, Nature Coatings, a pioneering biochemical startup based in the USA, has unveiled BioBlack TX, a groundbreaking innovation poised to redefine the industry landscape.
Carbon negative alternative
BioBlack TX stands as a remarkable advancement – a 100% bio-based, high-performing, and carbon-negative alternative to toxic carbon black dispersions derived from petroleum. This water-based dispersion contains a proprietary black pigment derived from pre-consumer, sustainably sourced and certified wood waste, from the lumber and paper industries. This attribute underscores its truly circular and sustainable character.
What also sets BioBlack TX apart is its formulation. It is entirely free of fossil fuels, boasting undetectable levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and carcinogens, while containing less than 0.1% Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These qualities position BioBlack TX as a safe and responsible choice that not only meets but surpasses industry standards, ensuring businesses stay ahead of regulatory requirements.
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For manufacturers in the paint and coatings industry, this presents a compelling selling proposition. And for consumers, it translates into the power to opt for products that are notably cleaner compared to their traditional counterparts, whether they’re embarking on DIY projects, enlisting professional contractors for specific tasks or purchasing finished goods.
Presently, BioBlack TX has established a notable presence in the global fashion brands and ink companies arena. First adopted by the textile industry in 2020, it now has wide adoption across textile printing, coatings, leather coatings and package printing. Its versatile utility also extends to the paint and coatings sector- aligning perfectly with the overarching sustainability objectives of industries worldwide.
Environmental stewardship
A study led by Massimo Calovi and Stefano Rossi [From wood waste to wood protection: New application of black bio renewable water-based dispersions as pigment for bio-based wood paint, July 2023] demonstrates the versatility of Nature Coatings’ bio-renewable water-based dispersion. Not only does the pigment dispersion add colour, it also adds functionality. The study reveals how adding a small dose of BioBlack TX can help protect the substrate from UV degradation. This highlights the aesthetic and performance qualities of BioBlack TX.
In a world where environmental consciousness shapes our decisions profoundly, certifications such as FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council), USDA BioPreferred, OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT, and ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme (ZDHC) serve as unequivocal endorsements of BioBlack TX’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. According to a third-party LCA study, BioBlack TX also has a net negative carbon footprint, supporting businesses’ decarbonisation efforts and contributing to the global quest for net-zero emissions.
The adoption of bio-based coatings is part of a larger shift towards environmental stewardship within the paint and coatings industry. These coatings, derived from renewable sources, hold the potential to drastically diminish our reliance on fossil fuels. As industries grapple with reducing emissions and waste, bio-based coatings offer a viable pathway to achieving these sustainability goals.
As the coatings industry undergoes continuous evolution, products like BioBlack TX stand as beacons of sustainable innovation. With their transformative potential and eco-friendly attributes, they symbolise a significant stride towards a greener and more sustainable future.
