A promising alternative is cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), a non-edible, renewable resource extracted from the shell of cashew nuts. This article explores the development of polyols derived from CNSL, which exhibit unique properties due to their chemical structure, including hydrophobicity and plasticizing characteristics. Reading tip: Silicon and Nanotechnology for CoatingsDive into the world of advanced coatings with “Silicon and Nanotechnology for Coatings”. CNSL polyols are gaining increasing importance in the polymer industry as a bio-based, non-edible resource providing a sustainable alternative to traditional polyols. Their unique properties make them a crucial component for innovative applications in polymer chemistry.