Beckers and Anodyne collaborate on renewable HHPA for coatings

Beckers Group and Anodyne Chemistries have joined forces to develop a renewable, CO₂-based alternative to petrochemical HHPA – a key component in high-performance coating systems.

Beckers Group has announced a collaboration with Canadian biotech company Anodyne Chemistries to develop a renewable production route for hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HHPA). This compound plays a crucial role in high-performance coatings but is currently produced entirely from fossil-based feedstocks. At present, there are no sustainable HHPA alternatives available on the market.

Anodyne’s approach relies on engineered enzymes that convert CO₂ into HHPA, powered by renewable electricity. This novel pathway significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with HHPA production and may offer a breakthrough in the development of renewable raw materials for coatings.

Focus on coil coatings and potential beyond HHPA

Anodyne’s research will be carried out in Vancouver, Canada, while Beckers will conduct blending and performance testing at its FutureLab innovation centre in Liverpool, UK, which specialises in coil coatings.

While HHPA is the current focus, both companies see wider potential in applying Anodyne’s technology to other paint raw materials. “We are targeting HHPA because there is currently no renewable route to produce it,” explains Gavin Bown, CTO at Beckers. “However, the underlying process opens up further possibilities. This partnership is part of our wider sustainable innovation strategy, which includes working with upstream partners to accelerate the commercialisation of new, sustainable technologies.”