This project is the first to combine a technical interest in new materials for recyclable coatings, with a focus on the innovation-based aspects of recyclable coatings in the circular economy and has bought together four very diverse skill sets to achieve its aim.

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"Smart and Sustainable Coatings" Full report

Executive Summary

This work has explored current and future coating options for sustainable transport and beyond where polymer-based substrates are being used. A range of current and future technologies including vitrimer, peelable coatings and zero coating technology options have created a basic framework for a sustainable understanding of the dynamics and difficulties operating within mixed material systems in the CE.

As major innovation and changes in a coating system have knock on effects throughout the circular economy, two (extreme) scenarios can be employed. 1. Create a flexible, dynamic and responsive system of innovation throughout. 2. Simplify and stabilise innovation and changes in the system.

Since it can be assumed innovation will be required to meet net zero challenges it is therefore likely that considerable change will be required throughout the entire CE chain and beyond into wider sectors, creating multiple sub-loops and bottle necks in our current operating systems. On the positive side this creates considerable opportunity for SMEs to enter and impact the market.

Mechanism for flow in vitrimer networks

Key Findings

1) The coatings market is facing increased pressure from legislation to reduce environmental impact, at the same time the market demands improved long term performance, and in some instances, consumers are driving the need for more sustainable coating solutions (without having to pay an increased price). Industry engagement through this project has found that even though there are signs of commercialisation, there are still several challenges involved with implementing a new material such as; the inherent low value of polymer materials, limited recycling infrastructure, ensuring product compliance, the need for restrictive confidentiality agreements to support cross-sector knowledge exchange.

2) Coating technologies for polymeric substrates continue to develop scientific answers and opportunity towards the CE. Multiple options and recycling strategies however can actually cause confusion for downstream recycling systems. Innovation in the plastics sector, has seen multi-material components, different resin composition and high levels of contamination making separation of materials challenging at end of life. The complex value chain of plastics will have to be changed in significant ways to create viable management approaches towards achieving environmental and economic gains. Further support for SMEs is required to invest in research, development and innovation (RD&I) alongside skills and education needed to embed life cycle thinking at all stages.

Project Team

Vannessa Goodship (PI)  Vannessa’s work spans the technical interface of academia and industry with over 50 publications across this remit. Her areas of specialism are plastics materials, their processing, and recycling. She has undertaken many research projects across this scope, in multiple sectors, including looking at multifunctional surface materials for aerospace and automotive. As well as relevant experience in surface technologies, plastic and composite recycling, her current activity also includes work in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and battery recycling.
Allen Alexander Allen Alexander- Allen is a senior researcher, investigating the role that innovation and knowledge-based capabilities play in enabling a transition toward the Circular Economy (CE), in particular focussing on Circular Acceleration. At product/service level this considers Circular Innovations; at firm-level Circular Business Models and at regional, national or societal-level, how CE principles contribute to socio-economic transition theories. His prior engineering career provides him with unique skills and has enabled him to work alongside colleagues from different disciplines to apply his research to sector-specific issues.
Ruth Cherrington Ruth has over 10 years of experience supporting research and development projects in collaboration with industrial and academic partners. She currently provides focussed support to SMEs helping them to realise their growth potential through innovation. The project aims to improve productivity and deliver economic growth by stimulating early stage Research Development and Innovation (RD&I) activity. Her research within this project is looking at the role of innovation within circular economy across individuals and organisations. She is also interested in how certain values (such as environmental sustainability) impact and direct innovation and how emerging innovation ecosystems are supporting the businesses within them. Jean Marshall Jean has a background in Polymer Chemistry and recent research experience in short-loop recycling. She undertook two postdocs at University of Cambridge on an EU-funded collaborative research project and a directly industry funded project around ‘smart’ polymers (including maternity leave) before taking up an industrial position at Domino Printing Sciences. Since joining WMG she has supported two Faraday Challenge projects on battery recycling and reuse and polymer solid state batteries.
Industry Partners Princess Yachts