At the final RN21 event, on May 7 and 8, 2026, 20 new sustainable products and 11 industrial prototypes were presented, highlighting Pine Rosins’ advancements in continuous reactors and rosin-based polymers.
The RN21 Integrated Project, “Innovation in the Natural Resin Sector to Strengthen the Bioeconomy”, formally concluded with the IN.RESIN event in Chaves (May 7th and 8th, 2026), bringing together more than 250 participants from Portugal and Spain. The final results include the creation of 6 industrial symbioses, 20 new products with a smaller ecological footprint, and 11 industrial pilot lines. Also noteworthy are 6 digital support platforms, 38 R&D+i projects, and 34 technical publications resulting from the project. The Secretary of State for Forests, Rui Ladeira, said that “this is a project that makes us proud and whose results are evident. RN21 went well…”. In particular, the RN21 consortium demonstrated the strategic potential of natural resin in the national bioeconomy, including solutions for the footwear, textile, automotive, and food sectors.
Key Results and Official Citations
The closing of RN21 emphasized technical achievements. Highlights include:
- New sustainable materials: 20 commercial products based on natural resin and derivatives (e.g., adhesives, polymer modifiers, and coatings) with a reduced carbon footprint.
- Pilot lines and industrial processes: 11 industrial pilot lines for resin transformation were developed, including continuous reactors with lower energy consumption. Pine Rosins contributed specifically to the optimization of processes in tubular reactors (ester production).
- Innovation in biopolymers: the projects generated biopolymers with high bio-incorporation, capable of partially replacing fossil polymers in EVA, SIS, SBS, and other materials. These polymers showed good flexibility, mechanical strength, and adhesion, opening new applications in packaging and other sectors.
In strategic terms, the director of RN21, Rogério Rodrigues (CoLAB ForestWISE), emphasized that “the RN21 Integrated Project has demonstrated that Natural Resin has re-established itself as a strategic opportunity within the bioeconomy.” In turn, the Secretary of State for Forests, Rui Ladeira, reinforced that the project has a positive impact on the future of the supply chain and requested commitment to disseminating the results. The integration of natural resin in footwear, textile, automotive, and food industries, for example, in soles, adhesives, or packaging films, has proven its potential for the development of bio-based materials with a smaller carbon footprint.
Pine Rosins’ Contribution to RN21
Kemi Pine Rosins Portugal S.A. directly participated in RN21 through two main Pillar II measures, “industrial transformation”:
- Measure II1.M1A: Process optimization in tubular reactors for ester production. The company led pilot-scale research aimed at adjusting and improving continuous resin-fed reactors, aiming for greater energy efficiency and higher yield. This activity is aligned with the overall project results, namely “continuous reactors with lower energy consumption”.
- Measure II2.M1B: New niches and applications of rosin in materials and packaging. Pine Rosins developed formulations and material tests in which resin biopolymers replace conventional polymers, presenting solutions such as hot-melt adhesives for packaging and polymer modifiers. These biopolymers allow for the regulation of adhesion and flexibility of final products, optimizing performance and sustainability.
At the close of RN21, it was observed that Kemi Pine Rosins’ efforts translated into practical advancements: large-scale testing, partnerships with universities, and technical documentation. For example, the consortium announced that 11 industrial prototypes resulted from various R&D projects, likely including the tubular reactor ester prototype the company is working on.
Pine Rosins’ participation in RN21 reinforces its position as a leader in natural resin innovation. Technologically, the company acquires know-how in efficient continuous reactors and green polymer formulation, consolidating its offering in adhesives and specialty resins. These results pave the way for bringing prototypes to the European market, potentially in partnership with clients in the packaging, textile, and automotive sectors. Furthermore, the project reinforced the importance of dialogue between industry and academia, which could lead to new collaborations.