D1.3 - Value Chain Analysis of New Coatings

This document presents Deliverable 1.3 of the BIO-SUSHY project and is meant to aid the project’s strategy to strengthen its value chains, building on safe and sustainable-by-design (SSbD) principles. Crucial in this endeavour are the project’s efforts to integrate life cycle and safety aspects into the development phase and across its value chains. To help fulfill that aim, this report aims to identify and understand the relevant needs, demands, reservations and perceptions with regards to PFAS-free coatings in textile, food trays and cosmetic glass containers. The analysis identifies key trends in the uptake of new coatings in general, while subsequently zooming in on each of the three different value chains. Analysis is based on extensive desk research into the relevant issues, on the insights from 30 interviews with domain experts and stakeholders, on transdisciplinary exchange within the project, and on exploratory stakeholder surveys.

Since PFAS-replacement plays a central role in the project's objectives and is likely to significantly shape the future viability of its solutions, explicit attention is paid to the framework conditions this issue presents. Discussed are: pollution & health issues as a major motivation behind the need for PFAS replacement; social awareness and public trust as a driver of consumer preferences; relevant regulatory developments as potential catalysers of BIO-SUSHY solutions; trends in the chemicals, coatings, and new materials sectors; and innovation policies for industry growth & sustainability.

What follows is the identification and analysis of relevant considerations for the further establishment of the three BIO-SUSHY PFAS-free supply chains: paper food tray coatings, textile coatings, and cosmetic glass packaging coatings. This is done by analysing a wide range of value chain considerations and concerns in the three value chains and developing these insights into a comprehensive overview of the priorities for each of the value chains. Keeping in mind the early stage technology readiness level of the solutions (currently around TRL 4 at T0+25 months), there is an emphasis on factors that can aid the process of strengthening the future value chains based on SSbD principles.

After that stakeholder perceptions and feedback are examined, identifying collaboration opportunities and aligning BIO-SUSHY’s solutions with market and technical priorities. What follows are key insights into strategic priorities, highlighting BIO-SUSHY’s role in advancing safer, sustainable value chains and supporting circular and bioeconomy transitions. The deliverable ends with strategic priorities and next steps for improving the co-design process of BIO-SUSHY solutions and the mitigation of barriers to social acceptance.