Sustainable Raw Materials Shaping Algeria’s Coatings Future

The coatings industry is undergoing a fundamental shift. For decades, performance and cost efficiency were the dominant factors in raw material selection. Today, regulatory pressure, customer expectations, and sustainability goals are reshaping the market, pushing manufacturers to rethink how coatings are made, and more importantly, what goes into them.

Why Sustainability Is No Longer Optional

• Regulation is decisive: The European Union’s Directive 2004/42/EC continues to enforce strict VOC (volatile organic compound) limits for decorative coatings, with enforcement mirrored in the UK through the GB CLP regulation. This makes high-VOC formulations less viable in both the EU and export markets.

• Bio-based innovation is maturing: Advances in bio-based resins, solvents, and additives now provide credible alternatives to fossil-derived materials. Unlike early-generation products, modern bio-based polymers often meet performance requirements without major compromises.

• Market expectations are shifting: End users, from construction to automotive, increasingly demand coatings that combine durability with environmental responsibility. “Eco-friendly” is no longer a niche label but a purchasing requirement across multiple sectors.

The Role of Bio-Based Resins and Additives

Resins form the backbone of most coatings. Bio-based acrylics, polyurethanes, and alkyds are now entering the mainstream, supported by better processing consistency and improved supply availability. Additives derived from renewable sources—such as natural thickeners, dispersants, and defoamers—further enhance eco-friendly systems.
Combined with water-borne technology, these materials enable manufacturers to meet low-VOC requirements while also reducing dependence on volatile fossil markets.

Challenges in Adoption

• Consistency of supply: Bio-based raw materials are still more sensitive to agricultural and seasonal variation.

• Cost factors: While the price gap between traditional and sustainable raw materials is closing, cost volatility remains a concern.

• Documentation and compliance: Producers must demonstrate not only performance but also regulatory conformity—compliance documents must cover VOC categories, hazard labelling under CLP, and increasingly, bio-content certification.

What It Means for Paint & Coating Manufacturers

The shift is clear: coatings producers need to evaluate sustainable options without jeopardising performance. Those who adapt early will reduce compliance risk, meet customer expectations, and future-proof their product ranges.

Manufacturers must partner with distributors who can:

• Vet suppliers for both quality and sustainability.

• Provide VOC and CLP-compliant documentation packs.

• Offer technical guidance on integrating bio-based materials into formulations.

Chemipro’s Role in Supporting the Transition

At Chemi-Pro, sustainability is not treated as a marketing trend but as a practical reality. By screening portfolios for VOC and CLP compliance, offering bio-based alternatives, and ensuring reliable supply into growth markets like Algeria, Chemi-Pro helps manufacturers navigate change without disruption.
The coatings industry is moving towards a greener future. Those who align their raw material choices with sustainability now will not only meet today’s requirements but gain a strategic advantage in tomorrow’s market.

For more information, get in touch at contact@chemi-pro.com