The BLUECOAT project, which aims to replace fossil-based coatings with bio-based alternatives, has been awarded €3.5 million from Horizon Europe.
Launched on 1 October 2025, the four-year project, Bio-based Long-lasting, Safe and Sustainable by Design Surface Coatings for Demanding and Extreme Conditions (BLUECOAT), aims to revolutionise the coatings industry by developing eco-friendly alternatives to fossil-based paints and coatings. Currently, approximately 80% of coatings are derived from fossil fuels, which significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.
Led by the University of Birmingham, the project will harness renewable feedstocks, including agri-food and forestry waste, to create six high-performance coatings tailored for demanding applications in the maritime, textile, and construction sectors. These coatings will be designed using biopolymers, cellulose, lignin, bio-based plastics, and plant-based proteins, providing a safe and sustainable alternative to hazardous conventional technologies.
Professor Zhenyu Jason Zhang said:
"The significant investment by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) recognises our research competence and expertise in surface and interface science and engineering, which builds upon our existing research programme concerning antimicrobial nanocoating and the internationally renowned Centre in Formulation Engineering. It offers the BLUECOAT consortium an opportunity to advance surface coating technologies using bio-based and bio-derived materials, whilst bearing safety and sustainability as priorities."
The €3.5 million funding from the CBE JU under the Horizon Europe programme was awarded to the consortium of 17 partners from across Europe and North America, including leading research institutions, SMEs, and industry partners. The project will also contribute to the EU's broader goals of achieving climate neutrality and developing a circular economy.
The significant investment by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) recognises our research competence and expertise in surface and interface science and engineering, which builds upon our existing research programme concerning antimicrobial nanocoating and the internationally renowned Centre in Formulation Engineering.
BLUECOAT builds on the Horizon Europe-funded SUPREME project that develops sustainable surface coatings equipped with both chemical and physical actions against viral and bacterial pathogens. In both projects, researchers are ensuring that the coatings are safe for both the environment and humans, long-lasting, and durable against chemical and mechanical treatments.
The University of Birmingham is committed to growing its collaboration with European partners. Led by the University's Research Strategy and Services division, a new office in Brussels has been established to meet these ambitions and expand contacts and networks with businesses and other research institutions.
Professor of Soft Matter Engineering
Staff profile for Dr Zhenyu J Zhang, Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham
