What’s trending in the Coatings Industry: Top 10 most-clicked news of the last quarter

1. Cottonseed oil as a renewable source for the development of highly functional UV-curable materials
   Researchers discovered that using cottonseed oil to produce bio-based UV-curable polymer resins offers a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based materials, increasing the resulting products’ flexibility.
2. Interview: “The high pH approach is not suitable for some water-borne coatings”
   In an interview with Thomas Bernhofer, Technical Service Manager Coatings at Synthomer, our European Coatings editor Bettina Hoffmann discusses upcoming developments in water-based coatings and how external factors impact the sector’s advancement.
3. Merck signs agreement to sell surface solutions business unit to GNMI
   Merck has signed an agreement to sell its global Surface Solutions business unit to Global New Material International Holdings for EUR 665 million in cash. The company plans to use the proceeds to further strengthen its strategic core businesses.
4. Insights from David Dominguez, Briolf: The future of water-based coatings
   David Dominguez, Strategic Planning Director at Briolf, shared his insights with our editor, Bettina Hoffmann, about future developments and regulatory challenges in water-based coatings until 2030.
5. New additive process enables the production of better and more environmentally friendly chemicals of high value
   Researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) have made a breakthrough that could lead to the creation of improved and greener agricultural chemicals and everyday products.
6. Dr. Jörg Krames appointed as new President and CEO for Byk-Gardner
   The globally active measuring instrument manufacturer Byk-Gardner, based in Geretsried, Bavaria, has a new Managing Director: Dr. Jörg Krames.
7. Top 3 countries with the most companies in the Top 25 of the paint and coatings industry
   In the current ranking of the Top 25 companies in the paint and coatings industry by revenue, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark stand out, with Germany leading the list.
8. Alisha Bellezza (PPG): “The automotive industry is undergoing an enormous change”
   PPG Industries announced plans to build a new production facility for automotive coatings in North America, investing USD 300 million in the project. Alisha Bellezza, Senior Vice President Global Automotive Coatings, explains to our editor Vanessa Bauersachs the rationale behind this decision and the opportunities it presents.
9. Bio-based coatings: Growing market share, unclear definition
   Industry experts provide insights on the bio-based coatings market concerning market share, main drivers, and challenges. By European Coatings editor Kirsten Wrede.
10. A flexible and transparent superhydrophobic coating on cotton fabrics with high mechanical and chemical stability for underwater insulation
    Researchers have developed a coating that provides cotton fabrics with stretchable, transparent superhydrophobic properties, enhancing both mechanical and chemical stability for underwater insulation applications.

From the top 10 most-clicked news stories of the last quarter, it is evident that the paint and coatings industry is currently driven by three central themes. A clear trend is emerging towards environmentally friendly and bio-based materials, such as cottonseed oil. Additionally, there is a focus on the development and improvement of water-based solutions as eco-friendly alternatives. Companies are adapting through sales and restructuring to remain competitive. In this context, new production facilities, particularly in the automotive sector, are being established to respond to market demand. Finally, innovations in environmentally friendly chemicals and specialized coatings are at the forefront. Overall, there is a clear trend towards sustainable, innovative, and competitive solutions.