The “EnviroGuard” range of bio-sourced resins was launched in Europe by Cray Valley (Paris La Défense / France; www.crayvalley.com) at the JEC Composites Show (www.jeccomposites.com), held in Paris in April 2011. The family of unsaturated polyester resins containing between 15% and 31% plant-based raw material was developed by Cray Valley’s sister company CCP (Kansas City, Missouri / USA; www.ccponline.com). The company said the resins can be used to produce components across a broad range of sectors, including building, transport, leisure, industry, marine, sanitary, automotive and railway and can be employed in almost all composite industry processes.

The range has been developed in response to the increasing importance the environment has assumed for consumers. A recent study by US architects confirmed the need for plant-based resins, saying that 42% of their clients request the use of environmentally-friendly products to reduce energy consumption and improve their image.

Cray Valley says the use of “EnviroGuard” resins should lead to a carbon footprint reduction of 10% to 30% compared to traditional resins. The company is currently working on the validation of this data, to improve its knowledge on resins CO₂ emissions.