November 7, 2025 10:27

Finnish company Exel Composites, a manufacturer of composite tubes and profiles, has signed a supply agreement with Italy’s Polynt for partially biobased unsaturated polyester resins, or UPR, with volumes expected in the hundreds of tonnes.

The agreement covers a resin containing approximately 20% renewable raw materials, developed by Polynt. The biobased component is a monomer derived from second- and third-generation biomass, not in competition with food uses, offering an estimated 20% reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional fossil-based resins.

According to Exel, these resins can be directly substituted for conventional fossil-based versions, ensuring full compatibility with existing pultrusion processes.
“Our internal testing shows no measurable difference in performance between this biobased resin and the fossil-based equivalent,” said Kim Sjödahl, SVP of technology and sustainability at Exel Composites. “Mechanical properties, processing characteristics and durability are all identical. This means our customers can choose a more sustainable option without compromising quality or reliability.”

The monomer is of European origin and the resin is manufactured at Polynt’s plants in Poland and France, to be processed at Exel’s facilities in Europe, ensuring a low-emissions supply chain also in terms of logistics.

Unsaturated polyester resins are thermosetting materials. Polynt offers biobased versions of these resins with content up to 50% under the brands Enviroguard and Envirolite.

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