Winners of innovation award “Bio-based Material of the Year 2016”

• Bio-based filled resin for stimulating bio materials
• Novel sophorolipid-type bio surfactant
• Bio-based waterborne polyurethane dispersions for textile coatings
• International Conference on Bio-based Materials: 200 participants from 25 countries

The Innovation Award “Bio-based Material of the Year 2016” was awarded to three innovative materials. The competition focused on new developments in the bio-based economy, which have had (or will have) a market launch in 2015 or 2016. The winners were elected by the participants of the 9th International Conference on Bio-based Materials in Cologne, Germany.

The winners are:

1. Orineo BVBA
   Touch of Nature – Bio-based filled resin for stimulating bio materials
   Orineo has developed a new range of bio materials based to 80% on coffee grounds. The bio materials are designed for a 20 years’ lifetime. In addition, cork stoppers, berry seeds, olive leaves are used to obtain a range of colours and patterns based on nature. It is now commercial: liquid bio-based formulations for seamless floors, table and furniture surface based on these sidestreams.
2. Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH
   Novel sophorolipid-type bio surfactant
   Rewoferm SL 446 is a novel sophorolipid-type bio surfactant. It is made by fermentation with a natural, non-GMO yeast using European sourced sugar and oil feedstock. Due to its environmentally benign production process, the material has a low carbon footprint and a Renewable Carbon Index (RCI) of 100%. It exhibits a very good toxicological and eco-toxicological profile and is completely biodegradable. It is compliant with EU Ecolabel requirements. Replacement of petro-based surfactants by Rewoferm SL 446 increases the foaming and the grease removal efficiency in hand dish wash formulations.
3. Covestro Deutschland AG
   Impranil eco – Bio-based waterborne polyurethane dispersions for textile coatings
   Covestro has developed a technology to raise the content of renewable resources in polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) up to 65%. This makes new levels of sustainability possible for PU synthetic materials (e.g. footwear, garment, accessories). Due to this development, it is now possible to produce coated textiles with high performance and low content of fossil-based raw materials in each layer. The key benefits are: 43% – 65% renewable carbon content, not in direct competition with the food chain; can be used in every layer of the production of synthetic materials or coated textiles; drop-in of existing Impranil PUD types, i.e. low reformulation efforts.

International Conference on Bio-based Materials: 200 participants from 25 countries

The “International Conference on Bio-based Materials” is a well established meeting point for companies working in the field of bio-based chemicals and materials. 200 participants, mainly from the industry and representing 25 countries, met in Cologne to discuss the latest developments in the sector. 24 companies presented their products and services at the exhibition.