Epoxy resins are used in many applications due to their excellent adhesive, electrical and thermal properties, chemical resistance, strength and dimensional stability. However, in the present time, it is not only the quality of the material that distinguishes one product from another. Environmental issues are becoming more and more important.
Therefore, it is with the environment in mind, that SPOLCHEMIE began producing epoxy resins with a significantly lower carbon footprint and other environmental benefits. These are produced from epichlorohydrin based on glycerine, a renewable resource. Compared to epoxies produced from epichlorohydrin based on fossil source (petroleum-propylene), epoxy resins produced in this way are more environmental friendly.
In this article we’ll tell you more about this innovative material for coatings and how it can be applied throughout various industries.
Benefits of the green liquid epoxy resin
By using epoxy resins from SPOLCHEMIE, the environmental impact of the product is reduced while the quality, properties and application possibilities are maintained. The environmental benefits of the glycerine based epoxies have been certified in an independent life cycle analysis (LCA). Thanks to these measurable values from the LCA, the advantages of SPOLCHEMIE epoxies over propylene epoxies are easily comparable. The conclusions of the analysis are confirmed by an internationally recognized Environmental Product Declaration (EPD certificate).
Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint and are you looking for a high quality and environmentally friendly material? Epoxy resins from SPOLCHEMIE are the right choice for you.
The main benefits of SPOLCHEMIE epoxy resins include:
- The carbon footprint of epoxy resins from SPOLCHEMIE is up to 64 % lower than epoxy resins based on propylene epichlorohydrin. By reducing the carbon footprint (greenhouse gas emissions), you contribute to climate protection.
- Epoxy resins from SPOLCHEMIE are the only epoxies produced in Europe containing at least 27% traceable carbon from renewable resources. Using renewable resources is a step towards independence from fossil resources. Moreover, the epoxy resin production consumes less energy.
- SPOLCHEMIE can provide independent and certified data about its production of epoxy resins.
- SPOLCHEMIE epoxy resin (EnviPOXY®) is the first and only epoxy in the world with the EPD certificate. The certificate is available on Environdec – EPD certificate.
How much CO2 does EnviPoxy help reduce?
Using 1 tonne of EnviPoxy in place of regular liquid resin reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) production by 5,5 tonnes1.
What does that number mean for practical purposes?
To put it into perspective, as a reference let’s take the amount of CO2 emitted by a utilitarian car, like those that many households have.
By driving said car around the city, you would emit an average of about 122 g of CO2 per kilometer driven2.
Therefore, 4 tonnes of CO2 is equal to the amount emitted into the atmosphere by a car that has been driven for approx. 45 thousand kilometers (5500 kg/0,122 Kg).
All of that is what is saved by using just 1 tonne of this ecological liquid resin. Can you imagine the massive positive impact to the planet if we fully replaced petroleum-derived resins?
Applications of liquid resin with plant-based epichlorohydrin
This Spolchemie product is suitable for a wide range of coating applications as the biobased epichlorohydrin can be used in the same manner as resins obtained from hydrocarbons.
Any industry that requires highly resistant and durable composites can benefit from EnviPoxy:
- Construction.
- Civil engineering.
- Transport.
- Renewable energies.
- Electricity.
- Electronics.
- Manufacture of consumer goods.
The product can be used in all these sectors for protective coatings, floors, tools, moulding and casting, laminate production, adhesives and composites, and many more.
EnviPoxy, however, doesn’t just serve industry purposes. It is also an interesting option for sustainably-minded domestic users. For example, much like other types of epoxies, it can be used to produce anti-corrosion paint.
Thanks to its low water absorption capacity, it is particularly useful for protecting sports and aquatic materials: watercraft, kayaks, snowboards, skis, bicycles, golf clubs, and more. In addition to the excellent application possibilities and environmental benefits, our epoxy resins help to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal.
Want more information about green liquid epoxy resins for coatings?
In our commitment to the environment, at Grupo Barcelonesa we support the use of eco-friendly products such as EnviPoxy liquid resin.
And this is just one of the many solutions we offer within the world of coatings.
If you would like more information about this product or are interested in receiving advice about which epoxy is the best for your business, we would be happy to chat with you.
Just get in touch by clicking on the “More information” button below.
[1] Source: SPOLCHEMIE LCA for epoxy resin, 2016
[2] Source: average CO2 emissions from new passenger cars and vans registered in the EU, Iceland, Norway and the UK (EEA, 2019)
