BASF uses biomass route to make binders for paints

BASF has been successful in making dispersions from renewable resources (biomass). For the first time, BASF is producing dispersions for interior paints based on the mass balance approach. To manufacture the binders of the Acronal brand, the company replaces fossil resources used at the beginning of the production process with renewable raw materials. The paint producer DAW from Ober-Ramstadt (in Hesse, Germany) is already using one of these dispersions for its premium paints.
 
Already during the production of the basic products for the dispersions, biomass is used as feedstock. With the help of the mass balance process, which has been jointly developed by BASF and TUV SUD technical inspection board, the biomass share is then allocated to the dispersions according to their respective recipes. In terms of formulation and quality, the mass-balanced products are identical with their fossil counterparts.
   
“Since these dispersions are based on the use of sustainably certified renewable raw materials in the production process, they help save fossil resources and reduce greenhouse emissions. That way, we at BASF can help our customers develop interior paints that combine environmental responsibility with uncompromising premium quality,” explained Robert Heger, vice president, in charge of the dispersions business of BASF for construction and architectural coatings in Europe.