The future of materials innovation lies in nature. One such hidden gem is Suberin, a natural biopolymer found in birch bark. Traditionally considered a forest industry side stream, birch bark is now gaining recognition as a high-performance, sustainable resource—particularly for adhesives, coatings and packaging.
What is Suberin?
Suberin is a hydrophobic, crosslinked polymer found in the outer bark of trees, particularly birch and cork. It serves as a natural protective barrier, preventing water loss, microbial attacks, and physical damage. Its unique chemical composition—rich in long-chain fatty acids, glycerols, and polyaromatic components—gives it outstanding functional properties for industrial applications.Thanks to our unique patented production process technology, Suberin can now be efficiently extracted in large quantities from upcycled birch bark, transforming what was once waste into a valuable material for high-performance adhesives, coatings and packaging.
Key Benefits of Suberinno Suberin in Industrial Applications
1. Exceptional Water Resistance
One of suberin’s most remarkable properties is its superior hydrophobicity. Naturally designed to protect trees from moisture and decay, it provides:
- Water-repellent surfaces for coatings and packaging
- Moisture-resistant adhesives for challenging environments
- Improved longevity and durability in humid conditions
For adhesives and coatings, this means strong, long-lasting bonds that resist degradation even in wet or high-humidity environments.
2. Superior Adhesion & Bonding Strength
Suberin’s unique polymeric structure enhances adhesion by:
- Improving bonding with various substrates (wood, metal, textiles, plastics)
- Enhancing flexibility and preventing brittleness
- Creating tough, resilient adhesive formulations
This makes it a promising bio-based alternative for hot melt adhesives (HMPUR), pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), and structural bonding applications.
3. Natural Protective Barrier
Suberin acts as a built-in shield against environmental stressors. Its natural properties provide:
- Chemical resistance – Protects against oils, solvents, and chemicals
- Oxidation resistance – Prevents material degradation over time
- Thermal stability – Enhances heat resistance in coatings and adhesives
These properties are particularly valuable in industrial coatings and high-performance packaging.
4. Sustainable & Circular Economy Solution
As industries shift towards greener solutions, suberin stands out as a truly circular innovation:
- Upcycled from birch bark, reducing forestry waste
- Non-toxic and biodegradable, minimizing environmental impact
- Bio-based alternative to fossil-derived adhesives and coatings
By utilizing suberin, industries can move towards more sustainable, high-performance materials without compromising functionality.
With its unique combination of water resistance, adhesion, protection, and sustainability, Suberin has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries. By turning forest industry side streams into high-value materials, we are moving towards a more sustainable, circular future.
Contact us for more information: info@innomost.com
