Particles and powders from upcycled sources offer new opportunities for innovative coatings.  

Malta-based BioPowder is a responsible producer and supplier of bio-based powders and particles that are free of chemical additives.  

In partnership with flooring experts, the company develops architectural and functional solutions with unique, nature-inspired designs. 

Plant-based materials 

The flooring industry is transitioning towards more bio-based, carbon-friendly and resource-efficient solutions. Binder systems from plant-based sources have replaced a great deal of fossil-derived resins, and a variety of degradable, natural pigments have gained presence beyond niche applications.  

For texturing and reinforcement, the industry has conventionally used mineral particles. Hardness and resistance paired with appealing white shades and competitive pricing have made them a top choice for most manufacturers. Only recently have plant-based alternatives awakened innovators’ curiosity.  

“Creating a fully bio-based particle that meets and even exceeds the requirements of modern floorings, both in terms of technical features and value for money, has been quite a process,” explains Kathrin Schilling, founder and director of BioPowder.  

Olea FP (Functional Powder) made from upcycled olive stones offers various granule sizes.

Alternate raw materials 

The company has specialised in upcycling a unique raw material: Olive stones, a by-product of the olive oil industry. Olive stones are an excellent raw material for resistant lightweight particles with an appealing shape and colour. 

Additionally, they originate from a carbon-neutral ecosystem in which foodstuff and by-product value chain emissions are offset by the olive trees’ carbon capture. 

Essentially a source of biocarbon, olive stone particles are multifunctional. In coatings, they are compatible with different resin systems (e.g. conventional and bio-based epoxy, polyurethane and acrylic formulations) and can improve a product’s carbon footprint, lifespan, impact and abrasion resistance, and curing times.  

Adding value 

Schilling points out: “BioPowder’s mission consists in identifying applications where olive stone particles can add maximum value to an end product, both in technical and environmental terms.” 

To achieve this goal, the company offers a high degree of customisation. Particle ranges can be adjusted to meet diverse requirements with regard to viscosity, texture and surface effects of coating formulations. Furthermore, the company has launched a line of bio-based colour particles to amplify the aesthetic options for decorative applications. 

Olea Colours are biodegradable colour particles for functional and decorative floorings.

Tried and tested 

Aiming to be the go-to partner for companies working towards bio-based product lines, BioPowder has created its own Application Lab. Here, dedicated coating chemists can solve formulation challenges that arise with the shift towards coatings with a reduced environmental impact.  

Issue: Sustainable raw materials for flooring solutions. 

Solution: Upcycled olive stones are a multi-functional raw material, with its particles improving flexibility, durability and hydrophobicity. 

Full acknowledgement and thanks go to bio-powder.com for the information in this article.