挑戦

WJ Group (WJ) is the UK’s leading road marking producer and a pioneer in sustainable road marking solutions. As part of their carbon reduction strategy, WJ was looking for a partner to supply bio-based alternatives to hydrocarbon (HC) resins while delivering excellent performance for their hot-applied formulations.

Collaboration began in 2018 and expanded further in 2020 when Kraton and WJ co-presented the environmental benefits of bio-based binders in hot-applied road markings at the ACBWJ Technical Days, a key cross-industry event organized by joint venture partners WJ and ACB Group.

Solution

Rosin ester (RE) resins deliver proven performance in hot-applied road marking systems, offering excellent glass bead retention, durability, and chemical resistance. Recognizing the environmental benefits of Kraton’s RE technology and the reliability of Kraton as a supplier, WJ made the decision to transition almost entirely from HC resins to our bio-based alternatives.

Utilizing Kraton’s product carbon footprint (PCF) data, WJ developed a carbon footprint calculator verified by Lucideon, an independent quality assurance and testing company, to calculate the carbon footprint of their road markings. Switching from HC to RE in hot-applied formulations considerably reduced CO₂ emissions, equating to an 80% average reduction across their product range. WJ calculated that in 2023 alone, they saved approximately 24,000 metric tons of CO₂ ^[1] after transitioning to RE. This shift not only reinforced WJ’s leadership in the road marking industry, but also helped accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions across the UK.

Impact

With raw materials, Scope 3.1, as a key emissions focus, Kraton’s low-emission bio-based binders are vital in helping WJ meet its sustainability goals.

Going beyond corporate sustainability goals, WJ and Kraton are continuing to partner in the evaluation of the full product life cycle of hot-applied road markings, identifying opportunities for further emission reduction from cradle to grave.

結論

Despite market fluctuations, WJ remains committed to rosin ester-based formulations, reinforcing its role as an industry sustainability leader. Looking ahead, Kraton and WJ are engaging UK road authorities to promote system-wide sustainability. Just like Kraton, WJ’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in their operations and innovation efforts. This partnership highlights that with shared values and strong collaboration, industries can deliver meaningful change.

[1] Including biogenic carbon