This cluster brings together EU-funded projects advancing the development of high-performance, sustainable, and circular bio-based coatings that reduce reliance on fossil-derived materials and improve end-of-life outcomes. The work spans innovative material design, safe and sustainable-by-design frameworks, and application-oriented validation to bridge research with industrial needs.

BIO4COAT develops cutting-edge bio-based coating solutions using renewable building blocks sourced from biorefineries, aiming to deliver durable and sustainable coating systems for demanding conditions across multiple sectors. The project is funded under the Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) through the HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024-RIA-04 call and focuses on validating bio-polyurethane and related coating technologies at TRL5 while integrating Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles.

BLUECOAT, supported by the CBE JU under Horizon Europe (Grant Agreement 101213072), also funded through the HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024-RIA-04, is developing a suite of bio-based, low-carbon emission coatings tailored for challenging applications in the marine, textile, and construction sectors. The project combines renewable feedstocks — including biopolymers, natural fibres, and plant-derived components — with advanced formulation approaches to deliver high-performance and more sustainable coating solutions for industry.

SUPREME is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme (Grant Agreement 101058422) and focuses on creating multifunctional, antimicrobial nanocoatings that are both effective and sustainable. The project prioritises bio-based materials and a sustainable-by-design approach to improve performance against pathogens and reduce environmental impact, with the aim of scaling these advanced coatings toward industrial readiness.

Together, these projects form a strong knowledge cluster that supports the transition to circular, sustainable, and bio-based coating technologies, promoting collaboration, shared learning, and cross-project events to drive innovation and market uptake.