The US bio-based coatings market is witnessing robust growth, bolstered by a heightened focus on sustainability and government regulations that promote the use of renewable raw materials. Bio-based coatings are formulated using plant-derived or renewable feedstocks, offering reduced environmental footprint, lower VOC emissions, and enhanced performance. Driven by increasing adoption across construction, automotive, packaging, and industrial applications, the market is rapidly evolving with innovations in waterborne, powder, and smart coating technologies. With rising awareness regarding eco-friendly alternatives, prominent industry players are focusing on research and development, product launches, and collaborations to ensure continual advancement. The market is poised for double-digit growth, supported by favorable policies and escalating end-user demand for greener solutions.
Latest Market Dynamics
Key Drivers
Rising regulatory pressure on VOC emissions—The US EPA and state governments enforce stringent VOC standards, accelerating adoption of bio-based coatings. In June 2024, Sherwin-Williams expanded its portfolio to meet updated environmental Compliance standards for architectural and industrial coatings.
Growing demand in green building sector—With LEED and similar certifications gaining traction, construction firms opt for sustainable building materials. In July 2024, BASF SE introduced its latest waterborne bio-based coating for commercial buildings to tap into this trend.
Key Trends
Advancements in Smart Coating Technologies—Recent collaboration between PPG Industries and smart material startups in August 2024 resulted in bio-based coatings offering self-healing and responsive functionalities.
Rising adoption of powder and waterborne bio-based coatings—AkzoNobel, in July 2024, launched a new biopolymer-based powder coating for automotive manufacturers, emphasizing low emissions and ease of application.
Key Opportunities
Expansion into the packaging industry—With e-commerce and food packaging on the rise, bio-based coatings are in demand to replace petroleum-based solutions. Evonik Industries' June 2024 partnership with a leading e-commerce retailer underscores this opportunity.
Growth in nano-based coatings—DSM Coating Resins entered the market in July 2024 by introducing nano-bio coatings providing superior durability, unlocking new avenues in electronics and healthcare packaging.
Key Challenges
Price competitiveness versus conventional coatings—Despite sustainability benefits, bio-based coatings remain more expensive. Axalta continues to work on reducing production costs, as seen in their Q3 2024 initiatives.
Raw material supply chain volatility—Fluctuations in the supply of biomass and feedstocks can disrupt manufacturing cycles. Arkema announced measures in July 2024 to mitigate supply risks via local sourcing agreements.
Key Restraints
Limited performance parity in some applications—Certain heavy-duty industrial requirements still favor fossil-based coatings. RPM International is investing in R&D to bridge this performance gap as of August 2024.
Regulatory complexities—Varying requirements across federal and state levels create uncertainty for suppliers, as recently highlighted by Covestro AG’s compliance restructuring in June 2024.
In 2025, waterborne coatings represent the largest segment of the US bio-based coatings market, owing to their low VOC emissions, easy application, and superior environmental credentials. Powder coatings follow closely due to increasing adoption in automotive and industrial sectors for durability and eco-friendly processing. Solventborne coatings, while still in use for specific performance needs, are gradually ceding share to eco-friendly counterparts, reflecting regulatory and consumer shifts.
US Bio-based Coatings Market Share by Application, 2025
The construction sector dominates bio-based coating applications in the US for 2025, majorly influenced by the boom in green building developments and demand for sustainable construction solutions. Automotive applications rank next as manufacturers increasingly opt for bio-based materials to comply with emissions and sustainability standards. The packaging segment is also witnessing rapid growth due to the surge in consumer goods and food packaging that prioritizes renewable content and food safety.
US Bio-based Coatings Market Revenue (USD Million), 2020-2035
From 2020 to 2035, the US bio-based coatings market exhibits sustained acceleration, with revenues escalating from $550 million in 2020 to $2,350 million in 2035. The period from 2025 onwards marks a pivotal expansion phase, driven by increasingly stringent regulations, innovation in bio-based materials, and mainstream adoption in several end-use industries. The compounding annual growth rate showcases the sector's pivotal role in the shift towards sustainable chemical solutions. Companies’ advancements in coating technology and expanding application bases are key to the rapid revenue growth projected throughout the forecast period.
US Bio-based Coatings Market YoY (%) Growth, 2020-2035
YoY growth rates for the US bio-based coatings market are robust during the forecast period. The highest acceleration is noted around the 2025-2030 phase, with YoY growth reaching 13.3% due to regulatory drivers and technology adoption. Post-2030, growth moderates but remains healthy at above 8%, reflecting a more mature market environment. These consistent annual increases highlight the market’s strong fundamentals and enduring demand for sustainable coatings solutions.
US Bio-based Coatings Market Share by US Regions, 2025
The Western region, anchored by California’s stringent green building codes and growing tech manufacturing, holds the largest regional share in 2025. The Midwest follows, buoyed by automotive and industrial production. Northeastern states, driven by construction and packaging industries, contribute a significant portion. Regional disparities highlight the influence of local regulations, industry presence, and consumer preference for sustainable products.
In 2025, AkzoNobel N.V. leads the US bio-based coatings market with a solid 18% share, reflecting its extensive product portfolio and green R&D. BASF SE and PPG Industries follow with 15% and 13%, respectively, benefitting from robust supply chains and strategic partnerships. Other significant players include Sherwin-Williams and Covestro, with innovative offerings and market responsiveness contributing to their market penetration. The top five players collectively account for over half of the market, underscoring the competitive intensity and the importance of continuous innovation.
Construction firms represent the largest buyer group of bio-based coatings in the US, accounting for 37% of total demand due to regulatory mandates and corporate sustainability objectives. Automotive manufacturers are the next largest buyers at 22%. Packaging companies, motivated by eco-friendly branding and regulations on food safety, form a strong 18% share. The remainder of the market is composed of industrial and other niche buyers adapting to sustainable alternatives as part of ESG commitments.
Study Coverage
Metrics
Details
Years
2020-2035
Base Year
2025
Market Size
Revenue (USD Million)
Regions
US (West, Midwest, Northeast, Others)
Segments
By Type (Waterborne Coatings, Solventborne Coatings, Powder Coatings, High Solids Coatings, Radiation Cure Coatings, Others), By Application (Automotive, Construction, Packaging, Textiles, Industrial, Others), By Distribution Channels (Direct Sales, Distributors/Wholesalers, Online Retail, Specialty Stores, Large Retailers, Others), By Technology (Conventional, Nano-based, Smart Coatings, UV-Cured, Water-based, Powder-based), By Organization Size (Small, Medium, Large)
June 2024: Sherwin-Williams launched a high-performance bio-based industrial coating in response to evolving regulatory standards.
July 2024: BASF SE introduced a next-generation waterborne bio-based coating for commercial real estate developers.
July 2024: AkzoNobel released a new line of biopolymer-based powder coatings focused on sustainability for the automotive sector.
August 2024: PPG Industries announced partnerships with tech startups for the development of smart bio-based coatings.
July 2024: Arkema finalized local sourcing agreements to shore up the supply of biomass-derived raw materials for coatings production.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Sophia
Lead Industry Analyst
Sophia is a Lead Industry Analyst specializing in market research, industry analysis, and business consulting across Chemical & Material. Sophia brings a commercially grounded perspective to sectors shaped by changing demand, innovation, and competitive dynamics, helping turn complex market trends into clear strategic insights for business decision-makers. With 10+ years of experience across research, analytics, and strategic advisory roles, Sophia has helped organizations translate data into actionable growth strategies.
Chemical & MaterialMarket ResearchIndustry AnalysisStrategic Consulting
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