- In June 2025, there is a notable surge in the adoption of bio-based polyurethane (BPU) across the construction industry. Once primarily used for insulation, BPU is now making inroads into flooring systems, coatings, adhesives, and sealants, thanks to its versatility and environmental benefits. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to renewable feedstocks such as soybeans, castor oil, and other vegetable oils to produce these materials. This shift is driven by growing environmental awareness, regulatory pressures, and consumer demand for sustainable building solutions, signaling a broader integration of bio-based technologies in modern construction
- In April 2025, Tata BlueScope Steel launched PRISMA®, a next-generation pre-painted steel solution featuring a 66% aluminum-zinc alloy coating. Engineered for modern roofing and cladding applications, PRISMA® offers a high-gloss finish, enhanced scratch resistance, and thermal efficiency—making it ideal for sustainable infrastructure. While not entirely bio-based, the product incorporates a significant bio-based component in its coating, reflecting the industry's shift toward eco-friendly construction materials. Developed through extensive R&D, PRISMA® addresses durability, aesthetics, and environmental performance, aligning with India’s growing demand for green building solutions
- In December 2024, Emirates Biotech announced plans to build the first Polylactic Acid (PLA) production facility in the Middle East, marking a major milestone in the region’s shift toward sustainable materials. Located in the UAE, the plant will be constructed in two phases—each with an annual capacity of 80,000 tonnes, totaling 160,000 tonnes per year upon completion. The facility will utilize Sulzer’s licensed PLA technology and plant-based feedstocks to produce biodegradable bioplastics, supporting global efforts to reduce plastic pollution. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with operations expected to commence by early 2028
- In July 2024, ZymoChem launched BAYSE™, the world’s first scalable, 100% bio-based, and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). Designed as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based SAPs, BAYSE™ is made from renewable resources and offers a microplastic-free, high-performance solution for absorbent hygiene products such as diapers. Its drop-in compatibility, competitive cost, and reduced carbon footprint make it a game-changer for the $145 billion global hygiene industry. Beyond hygiene, BAYSE™ also shows promise in construction, agriculture, cosmetics, and water treatment, where water absorption and retention are critical
- In March 2023, BASF SE began production of Sovermol, its first bio-based polyol, at its Mangalore site in India. This launch marked a significant step toward meeting the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions across the Asia Pacific region. Derived from renewable raw materials and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Sovermol is tailored for use in flooring, protective industrial coatings, wind turbines, and new energy vehicles. The facility’s strategic location near raw material sources enhances supply efficiency, while the product supports customers’ efforts to reduce carbon footprints and embrace greener construction practices
