A collaborative effort involving 11 partners in West-North Brabant, led by TNO, is set to revolutionise the construction industry with the development of sustainable building blocks derived from local tree and plant residues. The initiative, known as Consortium B4, aims to replace fossil fuel-based feedstocks with bio-based alternatives for the production of epoxy resins. Among the key players in this ambitious project is Westlake Epoxy, which is working alongside various consortium partners to test and tailor these novel bio-based materials to meet specific customer requirements.
The B4 project, aptly titled “Better Bio-based Building Blocks,” seeks to transform everyday agricultural and forestry waste—such as grass, sugar beet pulp, and wood chips—into eco-friendly materials for construction. The project envisions utilising these residues to create sustainable alternatives for products commonly used in construction, such as adhesives, insulation foam, and paints, all while enhancing properties like scratch resistance and flame retardancy.
As the construction sector faces significant challenges in reducing CO2 emissions—aiming for a 50% cut by 2030 and 90% by 2050—the need for sustainable solutions has never been more pressing. Aromatics, a fossil-based ingredient present in approximately 40% of products we encounter daily—including paints, glues, and textiles—are among the key targets for replacement. Currently produced from fossil raw materials, the transition to bio-based aromatics is vital for achieving climate goals.
The B4 project brings together the expertise and resources of both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) like Relement, Impershield, and Baril Coatings, along with larger firms such as Westlake Epoxy and Worlée. They will collaborate with research institutions TNO, VITO, and Avans University of Applied Sciences to demonstrate that bio-based aromatics can successfully replace their fossil counterparts across at least six applications within the construction sector, including coatings, composites, and epoxy resins.
At the heart of this initiative lies the Green Chemistry Campus in Bergen op Zoom, which serves as the project’s epicentre. Home to the Shared Research Center Biorizon, this campus facilitates technological advancements in bio-aromatics and engages stakeholders through meetings and workshops. These sessions aim to inform SMEs about emerging opportunities, encourage students to consider careers in bio-based chemistry, and assist government entities in understanding the benefits of transitioning to bio-based materials.
The European Union’s Just Transition Fund is supporting the project, with a total budget of €4.4 million aimed at facilitating the region’s shift towards a climate-neutral economy. This initiative is designed to aid areas dependent on fossil fuel industries in their transition while creating sustainable economic prospects. West-North Brabant, with its wealth of residual agricultural products, a knowledgeable chemical sector, and strong logistics, is well-positioned to become a hotspot for bio-based building blocks.
Through the B4 project, partners aim to provide new earning models for the agricultural sector while also creating jobs in the chemical industry, marking a significant step towards sustainability in West-North Brabant and beyond. For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.westlake.com.
