Japan Debuts Bio-based Marine Coatings as China Accelerates Full-Chain Breakthroughs

hZ info:July 7, 2025 — Chugoku Marine Paints (CMP) and Mitsui Chemicals announced that CMP’s bio-based epoxy coating CMP NOVA 2000 (Bio) has been selected by Kegoya Dock Co., Ltd. The coating uses Mitsui’s ISCC PLUS-certified bio-based epoxy resin. Through mass balance methodology, each ton of coating reduces ~660 kg of CO？ emissions. It has been applied to ballast tanks of an under-construction liquid ammonia carrier, marking the world’s first commercial bio-based epoxy coating for ships. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in May 2026.

The complementary antifouling coating SEA PREMIER 2000 PLUS improves fuel efficiency by 5%–8%. This dual-coating system forms a full lifecycle carbon-reduction loop, cutting total vessel emissions by 15%–20% versus conventional solutions. Japan’s breakthrough highlights deep upstream-downstream synergy: Mitsui supplied bio-resin, while CMP developed and validated the marine coating.

China Accelerates Full-Chain Bio-Based Innovations

While Japan debuts bio-based marine coatings, China is advancing rapid bio-material adoption. In January 2024, Sinochem International-Yangnong Kumho became China’s first epoxy resin producer certified to ISCC PLUS, using crude gly-cerol (a biodiesel byproduct) as feedstock. Its self-developed closed-loop process tackles high pollution and recycles high-salt wastewater into caustic soda and epoxy resin—a nationally recognized innovation.

Beyond epoxy resin, foundational R&D thrives. Jiangnan University created an itaconic acid-based thermosetting resin requiring no diluent, enhancing solvent resistance, flexibility, and adhesion for waterborne/solvent-free systems. Professor Ma Songqi predicts future bio-resins will prioritize functionality.

Bio-based coatings now cover construction, industrial, and electronic applications in China, with some outperforming global benchmarks:

• Wanhua Chemical: Launched bio-based PU products (e.g., ≥65% bio-carbon, 1000+ hr salt-spray resistant WANNATE® BIO-8120 for electronics).

• SKSHU Paint: Offers low-VOC bio-based wall coatings (French A+ certified) and automotive refinish paints (VOC ≤50g/L).

• Carpoly: With Ocean University of China, developed algae-modified waterborne PU (500+ hr salt-spray resistance) for marine environments.

• Xingcheng Gongzhu: Patented bio-based PU curing agents and MXene anti-corrosion coatings with Sichuan Normal University.

  
  

China is also strengthening standards:

• Carpoly’s Bio-Based Wood Coatings group standard (T/GDTL 024-2025), effective April 2025, mandates ≥31% bio-carbon for waterborne products and halves TVOC limits vs. national standards.

• This complements earlier standards for alkyd resin, heavy-duty anti-corrosion, and emulsion interior coatings.

Global Growth & Policy Backing

Bio-based coatings—sourced from plants/non-grain crops—cut carbon, reduce fossil reliance, and enable greener production. The global market will grow at a 9.75% CAGR from $13.5B (2023) to $29.4B (2032), per Buychem Research. North America leads (38.12%), followed by Europe (29.5%) and Asia-Pacific (26.8%). China, as APAC’s core engine, projects a 12.3% CAGR.

Critically, China’s Action Plan for Standards Upgrade Guiding Raw Materials Industry Optimization (2025–2027) includes bio-based materials in national strategic planning, fueling sector opportunities.

From standards to tech breakthroughs and industrial synergy, China is building a comprehensive bio-coating ecosystem, driven by policy, market demand, and innovation.