SciTransfer
TORNADO · Project

PFAS-Free Biobased Coatings for Water and Oil Repellent Textiles and Packaging

manufacturingTestedTRL 5

Imagine a non-stick pan or a waterproof jacket that doesn't use forever chemicals. This project creates a similar protective shield using soybean oil and special minerals instead of toxic PFAS. It's like replacing a harmful plastic wrap with a natural, plant-based alternative that still keeps liquids away.

By the numbers
14
consortium partners
71%
industry ratio
10
industrial partners
The business problem

What needed solving

Industries relying on PFAS for water and oil repellence face regulatory pressure and health risks due to the toxicity of these 'forever chemicals'. There is a critical need for bio-based alternatives that match the performance of PFAS without the environmental footprint.

The solution

What was built

Two new bio-based acrylated biomonomers derived from soybean oil and two types of coatings (waterborne organic/hybrid and hybrid sol-gel).

Audience

Who needs this

Textile finishing companiesSustainable food packaging manufacturersNon-stick kitchenware producersChemical companies specializing in bio-polymers
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Textiles
any
Target: Outdoor apparel manufacturer

If you are an apparel manufacturer dealing with strict PFAS regulations — this project developed bio-based coatings that provide water and oil repellence. This allows you to maintain waterproof performance while removing toxic compounds from your supply chain.

Packaging
mid-size
Target: Food packaging producer

If you are a packaging producer dealing with oil leakage in food containers — this project developed hybrid sol-gel coatings. These provide an oxygen barrier and oil repellence using soybean-derived monomers to replace hazardous chemicals.

Housewares
enterprise
Target: Kitchenware brand

If you are a kitchenware brand dealing with the need for durable, non-stick surfaces — this project developed free-toxic organic and hybrid coatings. These are designed to meet durability requirements while being safe for human health.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the cost of implementing these coatings?

Based on available project data, specific pricing is not provided, but the project includes a Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis to assess the economic value compared to traditional hazardous coatings.

Has this been tested at an industrial scale?

Yes, the project specifies that biomonomers and coatings will be scaled up in an industrial environment and validated in industrially relevant environments.

How is the intellectual property or licensing handled?

Based on available project data, there is no specific mention of licensing terms, though the project involves 10 industrial partners who are likely involved in the development and application.

Does this comply with EU environmental regulations?

Yes, the coatings are developed following Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) criteria to be PFAS-free and prevent harm to human health and the environment.

When will the technology be ready for full deployment?

The project period runs from 2023-01-01 to 2026-04-30, suggesting the final validated results will be available by April 2026.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 71% industry ratio, comprising 10 industrial partners and 4 research entities across 5 countries. This high level of industrial involvement, including 3 SMEs, indicates a strong focus on commercial viability and practical application in textiles, packaging, and kitchenware.

How to reach the team

Contact Fundacion Tecnalia Research & Innovation in Spain

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to connect with the TORNADO consortium for PFAS-free coating licensing.

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