It is one of the first additives for a new generation of more environmentally friendly paints: BYK-346 for water-based coatings is launched on the market in 1992. Because conventional solvent-based paints can release vapors that are harmful to health and the environment while drying, more and more manufacturers are switching to water-based paints.

However, the new systems have their challenges: Water-based paints tend to foam and often do not produce a closed paint surface after application. In order to produce water-based systems of a similar quality to solvent-based systems, new additives are needed - and these are being developed by the BYK research team.

BYK-346 in particular quickly establishes itself as a great help for manufacturers shortly after its market launch. The new additive helps to ensure that the paints wet the substrate optimally and form a closed paint film. BYK soon brings more products for water-based paints to the market, including special defoamers as well as wetting and dispersing additives. In 1993, half of all BYK innovations are additives for more environmentally friendly paint systems.

In recent years in particular, BYK has increasingly developed additives that contribute to greater sustainability. "The positive contribution of our products is significantly greater than our own ecological footprint," emphasizes ALTANA CEO Martin Babilas, adding: "On the path to a more sustainable society, BYK is definitely part of the solution."