6 Cover story A new “industrial revolution” SOYBEAN-BASED PAINTS AND COATINGS Ralph Pearce FOR DECADES, CORN, WHEAT, AND SOYBEAN PRODUCTION WAS SIMPLE; corn was used for feed or processed into starch, oil, syrup, or ethanol, wheat was ground into flour, and soybeans were processed into oil and meal. Those were the primary concerns fueling the five to six million acres of combined production for the three crops. In the past 25 years, however, science and industry have expanded the use of corn, wheat, and soybeans beyond conventional applications. Corn stover and wheat straw, it was discovered, could be distilled into cellulosic sugars, while wheat straw components could be used to make interior panelling in automotive vehicles. Soybean’s ideal qualities for lubricants and other applications make them ideal for valueadded applications. Prisum Coatings Canada Inc., based in Holland Landing, Ontario, is a paint manufacturing enterprise that oversees three brands: SoyaOil, EcoColours, and Artisan Enhancements. Each reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable and innovative technologies. SoyaOil specializes in plant-based biochemical coatings technology, EcoColours focuses on biodegradable and environmentallyfriendly wood fibre mulch colourants, and Artisan Enhancements offers a range of decorative paint and specialized decorative effect products. Prisum Coatings Canada was first incorporated in 2004, ahead of the establishment of EcoColours – also in 2004 – SoyaOil in 2008 and Artisan Enhancements in 2010. The development of the company and its brands came in the wake of a change in Canadian regulations governing the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the coatings industry. “The changes in regulations highlighted the environmental and health risks associated with traditional petrochemical, oil-based paints and liquid synthetic coatings technology,” says Bjorn McSorley, head of business development for Prisum Coatings Canada. “It became clear that relying on the high carbon output oil and gas supply chain wasn’t a future-proof strategy. Recognizing this, we sought alternative solutions, leading to the concept of using bio-based oils, particularly soybean oil, which provides the best properties as a sustainable and ecofriendly biotechnology option.” SEVERAL ADVANTAGES The shift was driven by several influences, the first of which was the need to comply with the new regulations. Then came the decision to align globally with efforts to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable practices in manufacturing. Next was the opportunity to leverage Canadian soybean production and processing, which allowed the company to create high-performance coatings that are environmentally responsible and commercially viable. “Soybean oil is a renewable, stable, and sustainable resource, making it ideal for manufacturing,” adds McSorley. “Canadian soybeans are grown using environmentallyfriendly practices like crop rotation and reduced tillage, lessening the environmental impact and improving soil health. Soybean oil also has a 17 per cent lower greenhouse gas footprint compared to petrochemical oils, making it a strong choice for reducing immediate carbon emissions.” The coatings technology and paint and decorative products utilize foodgrade, filtered commodity soybeans. The University of Guelph is working to develop a new variety that produces oil with a higher linolenic acid profile – although it’s not yet commercially available. The oil profile is well suited for the company’s product formulae, even though available varieties satisfy the processing of their coating products. The type of oil they require also falls in line with the commercial lubricant industry, which helps both parts of the soybean oil market move in the right direction. BJORN MCSORLEY
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