The global coatings industry is undergoing a biotechnology-driven revolution in raw materials

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The global coatings industry is experiencing a biotechnology-driven revolution in raw materials. On June 25, 2025, Beckers, a leading manufacturer of industrial coatings, announced a partnership with Canadian biotechnology company Anodyne Chemistries to jointly develop renewable hexahydrophtalic anhydride (HHPA). This marks a significant step toward the transition of key raw materials used in high-performance coatings toward lower carbon emissions. It is reported that this cross-sector collaboration will focus on addressing the challenge of finding sustainable alternatives for the key components of high-performance coatings. According to China Foreign Coatings Network, HHPA, as a key component in high-performance coating formulations, is currently produced entirely from petroleum-based raw materials; its carbon intensity is the main contributor to the carbon footprint of Beckers’ high-performance coatings. Anodyne Chemistries is pioneering a sustainable pathway for producing HHPA from carbon dioxide by designing new enzyme technologies. This innovative process utilizes renewable electricity to drive the enzyme reaction, replacing traditional high-carbon-emission energy sources and significantly reducing the environmental impact of HHPA production. This partnership will fully leverage the technical strengths of both parties. The research and development of Anodyne will take place at the laboratory in Vancouver, Canada, with a focus on optimizing enzyme catalytic efficiency and reaction pathways. Beckers conducts material compatibility tests through its FutureLab innovation center in Liverpool, UK, an institution dedicated to developing a new generation of coil coatings. "We are focusing on HHPA because it is a chemical that is essential in the coatings industry, yet currently lacks a sustainable production route based on renewable carbon,” explained Gavin Bown, CTO at Beckers. “To de-fossilize this key ingredient, we need to develop catalysts and processes that can unlock new reaction pathways.” Although HHPA is the highest-priority goal, we also see the potential for Anodyne Chemistries’ innovative processes to be applied in other areas of coating raw materials. This partnership is an important part of Beckers Group’s strategy for sustainable innovation; we are actively working together with suppliers and startups in the upstream raw material value chain to accelerate the commercialization of innovative sustainable technologies. " Manou Davies, CTO of Anodyne, said, “Over the past two years, we have worked with our partners to define key goals and expand our portfolio of chemical products.” Our innovative reaction pathway enables the design of enzymes that convert carbon dioxide into HHPA. ” As a global leader in coil coatings and industrial coatings, Beckers employs 1,800 people at 23 production sites, with its products available in 60 markets. This collaboration with a synthetic biology startup demonstrates the century-old paint company’s keen awareness of cutting-edge technologies, and it also provides a practical example for the low-carbon transformation in the industrial sector. As research and development efforts continue, the global coatings industry is expected to see the first commercially produced renewable HHPA, which will have a profound impact on the sustainable development of the industry chain.