The Thames-Rawlins Research Group (TRRG) has a history in natural products research beginning with the Pan American Tung Institute in the late sixties. Research has remained focused on the utilization of agricultural derivatives, specifically vegetable oils and proteins, in polymers, coatings, adhesives, and composites.

Polymers impact our daily lives in various applications such as plastics, composites, coatings, cosmetics, packaging, pharmaceuticals, textiles, food additives, and much more. Polymer industries have traditionally been petroleum based, however, rising costs and questionable sustainability require the development of alternative resources. Natural product use in polymeric materials is still underutilized despite the clear advantage as a renewable resource. Over the years, TRRG has developed intermediates from natural products for use in latexes, coatings, wood adhesives, UV curable systems, reactive diluents, rheology modifiers, and polymers. TRRG research is committed to developing technology and new ag-based products in support of American farmers and promoting an environment of sustainability for the future.