Circolide, the University of Groningen and AkzoNobel have jointly secured approximately €750,000 in JTF SNN funding for the project: Biobased Binders for Coatings and Polymers. The funding is awarded as a valorisation grant, supporting the translation of academic research into industrially relevant applications.
The project focuses on replacing conventional acrylate binders, still largely derived from oil and gas, with biobased butenolides produced from biomass residues using a light-driven (photochemical) process. These new monomers are designed to deliver improved coating properties compared to existing acrylates, while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and reliance on fossil feedstocks.
Within the project, the partners will further scale up the production of these biobased monomers and develop coating formulations based on them. The goal is to demonstrate that sustainable binders can meet the technical, processing and performance requirements of industrial coating applications, enabling a realistic route from proven chemistry to market adoption.
“This JTF grant allows us to take a decisive step from strong laboratory results towards industrially relevant applications,” says Thomas Freese, CEO & CTO of Circolide. “By combining sustainable feedstocks, light-driven chemistry and industrial validation, we are building a credible alternative to fossil-based acrylates for the coatings industry.”
Strong consortium with complementary roles
The project builds on a long-standing scientific and industrial collaboration:
- Circolide leads the project as technology owner and commercial partner, responsible for further development, scale-up and market validation of biobased butenolide monomers.
- The University of Groningen acts as knowledge partner, contributing deep expertise in chemistry and photochemical processes.
- AkzoNobel contributes application know-how and industrial perspective, supporting the evaluation of performance, scalability and commercial relevance in coating systems.
“Early access to scalable, biobased monomers is essential for the next generation of sustainable coatings,” adds Niels Elders, resin technology scientist at AkzoNobel. “This collaboration enables us to evaluate the processability and performance of these novel biobased building blocks in realistic coating systems. The gained knowledge will accelerate their path towards commercial application.”
From biobased monomers to new coating standards
Fossil-based acrylate binders are widely used in the global coating resins market. Circolide’s butenolide platform offers a route to maintain high performance while enabling a more sustainable and potentially recyclable coating chemistry. Initial market entry will focus on specialty and high-performance coatings, with expansion into broader coating and polymer applications over time.
In addition, this project enables Circolide to validate the scaled production of butenolide monomers for a wider range of industrial applications, working with additional resin and coating partners alongside AkzoNobel.
“This project allows us to align scientific innovation with real customer needs and existing value chains, which is essential for bringing new sustainable materials successfully to market,” says Hannah Feringa, COO & CCO of Circolide.
Strengthening the Northern Netherlands as a green chemistry hub
The JTF valorisation project aligns with regional ambitions to position the Northern Netherlands as a leading hub for green and circular chemistry. By valorising biomass residues and developing scalable production technologies, the initiative contributes to reduced CO₂ emissions, innovation-driven economic growth and high-quality employment in the region.
About Circolide
Circolide is a Groningen-based deeptech startup developing biobased chemical building blocks from biomass residues using innovative, light-driven production processes.
Circolide has built a solid financial foundation through earlier public and private funding. To date, the company has raised over €1 million euro, supporting the long-term valorisation and commercialisation of its biobased monomer.
About the University of Groningen
The University of Groningen is one of the oldest research universities in Europe and has a strong international reputation in chemistry. The technology underlying this project originates from research within the Feringa research group, led by Nobel Laureate
Ben L. Feringa.
About AkzoNobel
Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing more sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.
This project is co-financed by the European Union and ministry of economic fair through the Just Transition Fund (JTF), within the EFRO 2021–2027 programme, and implemented by SNN.