News

31-03-2025

LEGACY project develops sustainable and safe lignin-based coatings

Biorizon co-initiator VITO has announced the launch of its new LEGACY project. The initiative aims to develop bio-based alternatives to fossil-based bisphenols in epoxy resins, addressing both environmental and health concerns associated with bisphenol A (BPA).

The LEGACY project, which successfully responded to the Belgium Builds Back Circular (BBBC3) call, focuses on creating innovative, high-performance coatings using lignin, a natural polymer found in wood. By replacing BPA with lignin-based alternatives, LEGACY seeks to create safer and more sustainable coatings for heavy-duty construction applications, ensuring minimal surface degradation and strong adhesion.

The project will involve treating, depolymerizing, and modifying lignin to produce bio-based coatings. These prototypes will undergo rigorous testing on various substrates, particularly concrete, to ensure they provide a robust protective barrier against radiation, moisture, and chemicals. Furthermore, the coatings will be subjected to industrial cleaning processes to guarantee that no hazardous substances leach from the surface.

LEGACY will employ a Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) approach throughout the project, emphasizing both performance and environmental responsibility. This initiative represents a significant step towards a circular economy in Belgium and aligns with VITO's mission to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world through cutting-edge research and innovation.

More information

If you want more information about this project or about the possibilities to collaborate with Biorizon, please contact Biorizon’s Lignin Horizon manager Roel Vleeschouwers at roel.vleeschouwers@vito.be or +32 (0)4 74 94 99 09.