Plastics are widely used today, but their dependence on fossil fuels raises significant sustainability concerns, reinforcing the
need for bio-based alternatives. Nature provides renewable raw materials with promising properties, valued for their
availability, environmental benefits, and ease of modification.
The RN21 project is leading research into natural pine resin as a renewable resource, with a particular focus on rosin
derivatives (UP). It aims meet the growing demand across various sectors - including automotive industry - for durable and
environmentally friendly materials. By incorporating bio-based alternatives, this initiative supports sustainability and helps
pave the way for greener industrial solutions.
This study explores the integration of rosin derivatives into bio-based polymers, targeting applications in automotive
interior parts. The work encompasses material formulation, compounding and processing, followed by evaluation of
mechanical, thermal, rheological and density properties. The goal is to achieve high performance, sustainable materials that
meet the automotive industry’s technical standards, ensuring optimal strength, processability and compatibility with
current manufacturing processes. andards, ensuring optimal strength, processability and compatibility with current
manufacturing processes. A preliminary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis has been conducted to compare the
environmental impact of rosin-based biopolymers with petroleum-based counterparts commonly used in such applications.