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Industrial coatings have traditionally depended on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to their durability in the environment and possible health hazards. Taking action on this important matter, the PROPLANET project is leading initiatives to remove PFAS from coating production procedures. This article examines how PROPLANET is making substantial environmental impact reductions using innovative, eco-friendly solutions [1].
PFAS are a category of synthetic compounds utilised in a range of industrial uses due to their ability to repel water and resist staining. Yet, these durable chemicals do not degrade in nature, causing extensive pollution of water sources and build up in organisms, including people. PFAS have been associated with negative health impacts such as cancer, liver harm, and developmental problems in kids. The lasting nature and harmful effects of PFAS have led to immediate requests for safer options [2-4].
PROPLANET is developing cutting-edge, bio-based coatings designed to replace PFAS with comparable performance and safety levels. The project is centered around three main industrial sectors: textiles, food packaging, and glass.
In textile industry, PROPLANET utilises crosslinked biopolymer oil/wax microcapsules within a polysaccharide matrix for making hydrophobic and oleophobic textile coatings. These materials from natural sources offer the required protective properties without dependence on PFAS. By utilising biodegradable and non-toxic materials, these coatings can break down in the environment, minimising their impact on nature [5].
In food packaging industry, hybrid siloxane biobased coatings are in development for food packaging, providing key non-stick and anticorrosive properties needed for this application. These coatings do not contain harmful additives, guaranteeing food safety and minimising exposure to chemicals. By eliminating the use of PFAS, these coatings prevent dangerous chemicals from seeping into food and then entering the waste system, safeguarding both human health and the environment [6].
For the glass industry, the coatings developed from PROPLANET have anti-soiling and anti-reflective attributes when used on glass surfaces. These formulas enhance the stability and effectiveness of glass items without relying on PFAS. The coatings have been formulated to be eco-friendly, decreasing the necessity for regular cleaning and improving the energy efficiency of glass, especially in areas such as solar panels [6].
PROPLANET utilises advanced computational tools such as first-principles models, data-driven algorithms, and multicriteria optimisation in order to create and enhance coatings for sectors such as textiles, food packaging, and glass. First-principles models simulate how materials behave on an atomic level, reducing the need for multiple experimental tests and offering insights on material performance in different scenarios. Data-driven algorithms analyse extensive datasets from experiments and simulations to enhance formulations and guarantee compliance with SSbD. Multicriteria optimisation considers durability, safety, and environmental impact to achieve high-performance and sustainable coatings [5].
The PROPLANET Replication Tool utilises data and AI to simplify the shift from research to practical use, boosting market incorporation and enabling widespread access to PROPLANET’s advancements in various sectors. This all-encompassing method not only guarantees effective manufacturing but also supports sustainability objectives.
Eliminating PFAS from coating manufacturing provides significant benefits for the environment. PROPLANET’s efforts to remove PFAS from industrial processes help prevent water supply pollution, protecting both aquatic ecosystems and human health. PROPLANET simplifies recycling and disposal of coated products by using biodegradable and non-toxic materials, thus reducing waste production [4,7].
Beyond developing safe and sustainable coatings, PROPLANET is committed to a holistic approach that includes the entire product lifecycle. This involves incorporating cradle-to-grave analysis and circular business models to consider the end-of-life of products, encouraging recycling and reuse. Using computational modeling to optimise coating formulations decreases the requirement for experimental testing, speeding up the process of developing new materials.
There is a significant focus on circular economy principles to ensure that the coatings created are planned with their end-of-life in consideration. An in-depth evaluation of value chains is carried out for every new material, illustrating the shift from a linear to a circular strategy. This evaluation centers on maximising resources, minimising waste, and implementing reuse and recycling tactics. For instance, crosslinked biopolymers can be easily recycled through chemical and thermal processes, enabling them to be reintegrated into the value chain. When it comes to coated food packaging, sorting organic and inorganic materials helps in recycling and reusing efficiently. Likewise, coated glass can be thermally recycled, allowing it to be reintegrated into production processes.
Thus, PROPLANET is conducting a step-by-step circular mapping of the value chain highlighting the importance of circular flows, innovative supplies, and collaboration with key partners and stakeholders sharing a circular perspective. The methodological approach is already defined, detailing the next steps for the development of a circular roadmap. Through the adoption of these circular methods, PROPLANET not just helps decrease environmental impacts but also improves the overall sustainability of its coatings.
PROPLANET is dedicated to developing and promoting sustainable coatings, but also validating them across different industrial fields. An essential element of this is the PROPLANET Replication Tool, which aims to encourage the extensive adoption of these groundbreaking coatings in various sectors. The tool uses algorithms driven by data and optimisation with multiple objectives to customise coatings for various requirements, thereby aiding in their successful adoption and acceptance in the market.
In technical textiles, the replication tool will be beneficial for incorporating bio-based crosslinked biopolymer coatings in umbrellas and swimsuits, which need long-lasting water repellency without the use of harmful substances such as PFAS. The coatings can also be ideal for furniture fabrics or car interiors, where it is crucial to have resistance against stains and spills.
In the food packaging machinery industry, the tool will help utilise hybrid siloxane coatings on automotive parts and cookware to improve non-stick and anticorrosive properties, important for cleanliness and operational effectiveness. This application increases equipment longevity and enhances food safety by lowering the chances of contamination.
The replication tool will also help integrate coatings into building windows and glass for electronic devices, reducing cleaning frequency and improving energy efficiency with anti-soiling and anti-reflective features.
PROPLANET is at the forefront of efforts to decrease the environmental consequences of coating production by removing PFAS. By creating new, bio-derived coatings for textiles, food packaging, and glass, the project is establishing higher benchmarks for safety, sustainability, and performance. PROPLANET tackles the PFAS issue directly, safeguarding the environment and human health while also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future in industrial coatings.
IDENER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AGRUPACION DE INTERES ECONOMICO
Calle Earle Ovington 24-8, La Rinconada Sevilla, 41300, ES
Ask for more
info@proplanet-project.eu
Funded by the European Union under the GA no 101091842. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Funded by the European Union under the GA no 101091842. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
IDENER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AGRUPACION DE INTERES ECONOMICO
Calle Earle Ovington 24-8, La Rinconada Sevilla, 41300, ES
Ask for more
info@proplanet-project.eu
Funded by the European Union under the GA no 101091842. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
© Copyright 2025 by EXELISIS
© Copyright 2025 by EXELISIS IKE