Over the next three years, 11 partners based in Western North Brabant, led by TNO, will collaborate to produce green building materials from local trees and plant residues. Westlake Epoxy plays a pivotal role in the B4 Consortium, aiming to replace fossil fuel-based raw materials in epoxy resin production. Together with consortium partners, these innovative bio-based materials will be tested and developed to meet the specific requirements for epoxy resins and customer expectations.
From grass to adhesive, sugar beet pulp to paint, or wood chips to foam insulation—these examples reflect the motto of the B4 project: “Better Bio-based Building Blocks.” These materials not only promote sustainability in the construction industry but are also resistant to scratches, fire, and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Additionally, B4 project partners will share their knowledge with students, businesses, and government agencies to prepare and engage them in the transformation of raw materials, establishing Western North Brabant as a hotspot for bio-based building components in the construction sector.
The construction industry faces significant challenges, with CO2 emissions needing to be reduced by 50% by 2030 and by 90% by 2050. One fossil raw material that must be replaced with a sustainable alternative is aromatic compounds. Nearly 40% of the products we encounter contain aromatic compounds, including paints, adhesives, insulation materials, textiles, and foams. Currently, these aromatic compounds are derived from fossil resources, which is not climate-friendly.
B4: Better Bio-based Building Blocks
The B4 project combines the entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, and expertise of small and medium-sized enterprises (Relement, Impershield, Baril Coatings, Bodewes, and Progression-Industry) and larger companies (Westlake Epoxy and Worlée) with the technical expertise of TNO, VITO, and Avans University of Applied Sciences. The partners aim to demonstrate that bio-based aromatic compounds can replace fossil raw materials, targeting at least six applications for the construction industry, including coatings, composite materials, and acrylic and epoxy resins. They intend to prove that these alternatives are not only more sustainable but also commercially attractive.
Green Chemistry Campus as the Epicenter
The Green Chemistry Campus in Bergen op Zoom serves as the epicenter of this project, housing the collaborative research center Biorizon, an initiative by TNO and VITO working with partners on the technical development of bio-aromatic compounds.
By involving all stakeholders, a momentum is created to facilitate the transition to a climate-neutral economy. As part of the B4 project, the campus organizes numerous meetings and workshops for a broad audience: small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) interested in the project’s opportunities, students considering a career in bio-based chemistry, chemical industry employees wanting to understand changes related to bio-based raw materials, and government agencies exploring the prospects arising from the shift to these new materials.
Western North Brabant as a Bio-based Hotspot
The EU’s ‘Just Transition’ fund supports regions heavily dependent on fossil industries in transitioning to a climate-neutral economy, with an emphasis on ‘justice.’ The B4 project aims to position Western North Brabant as a hotspot for bio-based building materials. The region has favorable conditions, including surplus agricultural products like sugar beet pulp as green raw materials, a chemical sector with substantial expertise, skilled personnel, and strong logistical connections. B4 project partners seek to provide the region with a sustainable economic perspective by developing a new business model for agriculture and creating new jobs in the chemical industry.
The B4 project has a budget of €4.4 million, jointly funded by the European Union through the Just Transition Fund (JTF), the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, and the Province of North Brabant.
