Exel Composites has partnered with global resin specialist Polynt to adopt bio-based unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) at commercial scale, marking a key milestone in the shift toward lower-carbon composites. The resin, containing 20% renewable monomer sourced from second- and third-generation biomass, offers a drop-in replacement for traditional fossil-based UPR without compromising mechanical performance, processing, or durability.
Compared with conventional UPR, independent lifecycle analyses (LCAs) show that the bio-based formulation delivers a 20% reduction in carbon footprint according to Ecoinvent v3.11. Polynt sources the monomer in Europe and produces most of the raw materials in its Italian plants. The resin is produced in Polynt's production facilities in Poland and France.
Kim Sjödahl, SVP of Technology and Sustainability at Exel Composites, said: Our internal testing shows no measurable difference in performance between this bio-based resin and the fossil-based equivalent. Mechanical properties, processing characteristics, and durability are all identical. This means our customers can choose a more sustainable option without compromising quality or reliability.
Exel and Polynt share a similar global footprint, with multiple production sites across the world, allowing both companies to supply customers locally, reducing delivery times and logistics-related emissions.
Lorenzo Grazia, EU Technical Service Manager UPR/GC at Polynt Group, said: This partnership builds on more than 30 years of collaboration between our companies. Polynt is committed to helping customers like Exel reduce their environmental impact through practical, scalable solutions. Introducing bio-based building blocks into high-volume resin systems is one of the most effective ways to move our industry toward lower emissions.
Source: exelcomposites.com
