Arkema announced the full conversion of its acrylic rheology additives production in Europe to include bio-based content. The company’s updated product line now offers up to 30 percent bio-based content and up to 25 percent reduction in product carbon footprint compared to standard grades.

The bio-based acrylic thickeners will be sold under the Rheotech, Thixol and Viscoatex brands. According to Arkema, the performance and cost of the new formulations are equivalent to their conventional counterparts. The additives are used in architectural paints, industrial coatings, adhesives, sealants, plasters and renders.

The new products are the first to use bio-sourced ethyl acrylate produced at Arkema’s Carling, France, facility.