BioNipu aims to develop 100% bio-based and non-toxic polyurethane for end products in the textile and synthetic rubber industry. With this, knowledge institutions and companies from the border region strengthen their leading position in developing and deploying bio-based materials.
The production of biopolymers for commercial applications is increasing year on year. The transition to bio-based materials has also started within the synthetic rubber and textile industries. For instance, the textile sector aims to manufacture at least 20% of its products from biomaterials by 2030. However, biopolymers for textile coatings and synthetic rubber (elastomers), such as polyurethane, are only available for a limited number of applications and are not fully bio-based. For instance, polyurethane contains substances associated with asthma and other chronic diseases. Consequently, a proposal to restrict the use of such substances was previously adopted at European level.
Centexbel, Maastricht University, and Thomas More Kempen will combine their expertise with that of Limburg Urethane Chemistry (LUC) and Stahl International to develop high-quality bio NIPU with the desired properties. The sustainability of this bio NIPU will be evaluated via life cycle analysis to identify the most suitable composition for large-scale production. This will result in 100% renewable and non-toxic end products for the textile and synthetic rubber industries.