Materials Science
Sicomin obtains approval for bio-based resins

Sicomin says that it has now received the ECOBOARD Project Gold Level qualification for its range of bio-based epoxy resins. The certification applies to Sicomin’s entire GreenPoxy range that now consists of five different resin systems.

The ECOBOARD Project is an independent third-party consumer-facing certification program for surfboards, designed and managed by environmental non-profit Sustainable Surf. The program’s focus is on helping board builders to use more sustainable materials and technologies. ECOBOARD Gold Level is reportedly the latest and more stringent certification and all of the components in boards labelled ECOBOARD Gold Level must consist of ECOBOARD-qualified materials, such as Sicomin’s range of GreenPoxy resin systems. A significantly high percentage of the carbon content of these formulations is from plant and vegetable origins, as specified in ASTM D6866 standard.

‘Our next generation bio-based epoxy systems represent a major step forward towards a petrochemical-free system derived from renewable resources,’ said Philippe Marcovich, President of Sicomin.

‘The ECOBOARD Project shows people all around the world that choosing a more sustainable product doesn’t mean sacrificing performance or quality,’ said Brett Giddings from Sustainable Surf. ‘The world’s best stand-up paddle athletes, like Zane Schweitzer and Connor Baxter, are winning world titles on Starboard ECOBOARDS made with Sicomin bio-epoxies. Kiteboarding legend, Ruben Lenten, recently launched the world’s first Gold Level kiteboard in partnership with Lieuwe and Sustainable Surf, proving ECOBOARDS also work in the air.’