NNFCC was selected to carry out a
piece of market research on bio-based epoxy resins by a polymer R&D company. The company intended to
develop new environmentally friendly polymers, building-blocks and formulations
to be used in the field of fibre-reinforced composites, insulating polyurethane
foams and CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers).
NNFCC carried
out two pieces of work for the client. The first focused on detailing the EU
market for bio-based thermosetting resins, and specifically, epoxy composites. NNFCC gathered data to identify which markets would
preferentially value a bio-based epoxy resin, in line with the products the
client wished to commercialise. The work focused on determining whether a
performance gap existed between the bio-based epoxy resins
provided by product developers and the end-user’s wishes. Following
the client’s request, NNFCC focused on the automotive, wind energy and the
construction sectors. Based on market data and product developer interviews in
each sector, two markets were identified as promising. As a result, the client
benefited from specific information about technical limitations that needed to be overcome to access those markets identified. This information will inform the
polymer producer’s marketing strategy for the commercialisation of its
portfolio of new epoxy systems.