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In today’s landscape, the emphasis on sustainability and safety in materials and products has become more critical than ever. Coatings, essential for surface protection and performance enhancement, are no exception to this trend. Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) coatings are a groundbreaking approach that not only focuses on the efficiency and effectiveness of coatings but also prioritizes their environmental and health impacts from the very start. This article explores what SSbD coatings are, why they matter, and their role in shaping a safer, greener future.
Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) coatings represent a new generation of coatings created with a focus on safety and sustainability throughout their entire lifecycle. This design philosophy encompasses several critical aspects. SSbD coatings are formulated with materials that are non-toxic and pose minimal risk to human health and the environment. This involves avoiding harmful chemicals and materials, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and other hazardous substances that that raise concern for their impact on human health.
The environmental impact of these coatings is another key consideration. SSbD coatings are designed to minimise their ecological footprint by using renewable resources, reducing energy consumption during application, and ensuring that the coatings themselves are biodegradable or recyclable. Durability and efficiency are also essential principles. These coatings must not only be safe and sustainable but also effective, offering high performance in terms of resistance to wear and tear, and longevity, which helps conserve resources by reducing the need for frequent reapplications.
A holistic approach is fundamental to SSbD coatings, taking into account the entire lifecycle of the product, from production and application to end-of-life disposal. This ensures that every stage of the coating’s lifecycle aligns with sustainability goals [1,2].
The role of SSbD coatings is significant across various industries. In construction and architecture [3], they contribute to greener building practices by reducing harmful emissions during the building’s lifespan and enhancing energy efficiency through better insulation and durability. In the automotive and aerospace sectors [4], SSbD coatings help reduce the environmental impact of vehicles and aircrafts by providing protection against corrosion and wear while minimizing the use of toxic substances.
For everyday consumer goods, SSbD coatings offer safer alternatives, especially in items like furniture and appliances where exposure to coatings can be substantial [5]. They also promote longer-lasting products, potentially leading to reduced waste. In marine environments [6], SSbD coatings play a crucial role in protecting against harsh conditions while being environmentally friendly, helping to minimize the impact on aquatic ecosystems by avoiding harmful chemicals.
Despite their advantages, the widespread adoption of SSbD coatings face challenges. These include higher production costs, the need for specialised materials, and the requirement for new testing and certification processes. However, ongoing research and development are likely to address these issues, making SSbD coatings more accessible and cost-effective in the future.
The future of SSbD coatings is promising, with innovation driving progress in this field. Several EU-funded SSbD projects are focusing on the development of safer, greener, and economically viable materials, processes, and products with applications in various sectors. The developments are prominently focusing on health applications such as medical implants, antimicrobial coatings, nanoencapsulation for cosmetics, and advanced biosensors. In the digital and space industries, research includes nano-sized components for flexible electronics, smart manufacturing, and aerospace applications. The climate change and energy sector includes innovations in photocatalytic coatings for air purification, energy storage with graphene-carbon nanotube hybrids, and efficient hydrogen fuel cells. Mobility applications include nano-additives for automotive tires and advanced composites for aircraft. Additionally, projects address paints with properties like self-cleaning and anti-scratch features, agriculture with nanopesticides and biodegradable coatings, and food technology with antioxidant-loaded formulations for supplements [7].
Advances in material science and technology will further enhance the performance and sustainability of these coatings, leading to even greater benefits for industries and consumers alike. Embracing SSbD coatings is not just a step towards better products but a commitment to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
PROPLANET is an EU funded project focusing on designing and optimising three innovative coatings for the textile, food packaging and glass industrial sectors. The developed coatings will stand out for their cost-effectiveness, high functionality, safety and sustainability, while aiming to replace the currently used PFAS in their composition. PROPLANET’s holistic approach includes comprehensive lifecycle assessments to minimise environmental impact and reduce waste management costs. The project leverages advanced computational tools and technologies to optimise coating performance while ensuring safety and sustainability. Additionally, PROPLANET is focused on introducing these innovative coatings into new markets, managing intellectual properties, and enhancing social acceptance through community engagement. This comprehensive strategy underscores PROPLANET’s commitment to setting new industry standards and promoting both environmental stewardship and economic viability.
Stay tuned for more updates in our series of blog articles.
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.
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