## 4 Conclusions  
This study examined the suitability of a bio-derived additive composed of rice bran wax infused with green tea as an environmentally sustainable and versatile pigment for wood paints. Additionally, the bio-based additive was evaluated in combination with a dedicated UV absorber, included to enhance the color consistency of the wax-based powder when exposed to solar radiation. The additive exhibited effective coloring capabilities attributed to the green-yellow tones from the green tea infusion, along with mattifying properties contributed by the wax component. However, direct exposure to UV-B radiation led to considerable loss of the colored component, compromising the aesthetic appeal of the coatings. As a result, caution is advised against outdoor application, despite the presence of the UV absorber, which provided some protective benefits but had limitations. On the other hand, fluctuations in temperature did not significantly impact the coatings, as they maintained their aesthetic qualities and structural integrity. Different tests focused on assessing the barrier properties of the bio-based additive have consistently highlighted the protective function of the coatings, which is further enhanced by incorporating green wax-based powder. This additive plays a pivotal role in reducing water absorption, thereby preserving the color and aesthetic appeal of the composite layer even after prolonged exposure to harsh conditions. Although the surfaces may not display purely hydrophobic characteristics, the protective effectiveness of the bio-based additive remains evident, and its performance remains unaffected by the concurrent presence of the UV absorber. Ultimately, the bio-based additive confirms the established reinforcing qualities of wax-based fillers, effectively reducing material loss in coatings subjected to rigorous abrasion. The movement of the abrasive sponge causes shear stresses that result in the plastic deformation of the powder, maintaining the surface morphological structure of the coating. In conclusion, the _green_ additive showcases its versatility as a multifunctional pigment, providing not just color improvement but also robust protective features. Its distinctive mix of color, mattifying impact, barrier enhancement, and protective function makes it highly appealing for application as a functional bio-based additive in wood paints. Therefore, this study paves the way for further research into the impact of other types of wax-based fillers in paints, leveraging the intriguing functionalities highlighted by rice bran wax. The infusion with green tea offers the ability to adjust the final color of the coating based on the amount of filler added. However, the findings indicate that 5 wt.% of additive suffices to achieve desired coloring and effective protective properties. Future studies will undoubtedly be required to develop effective solutions for limiting the degradation of the bio-based pigment when exposed outdoors. Nonetheless, the application of UV absorbers in this study has yielded promising insights. Conceptualization, M.C. and S.R. ; methodology, M.C. and S.R. ; investigation, M.C. ; data curation, M.C. and S.R. ; writing--original draft preparation, M.C. ; writing--review and editing, M.C. and S.R. ; supervision, S.R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. This research received no external funding. Not applicable. The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to the absence of an institutional repository. The authors greatly acknowledge the contributions of [PERSON] (ICA Group, Civitanova Marche, MC, Italy) for the paint supply. Moreover, special thanks should be given to [PERSON] (Azelis Italia, Milan, Italy) and [PERSON] (Micro Powders, Tarrytown, NY, USA) for the supply of the composite wax-based additive. The publication was created with theco-financing of the European Union, FSE-REACT-EU, and PON Research and Innovation 2014-2020 DM1062/2021.