Top 10 reports of the year: that’s what the coatings industry is interested in
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to look back at the topics that have kept the coatings industry buzzing throughout the year. Sustainability, innovations in coating technologies, and shifts in global markets have been the driving forces behind these discussions.
The increasing importance of bio-based materials, more environmentally friendly production methods, and the development of new chemical processes are just some of the keywords that have sparked the most interest among our European Coatings readers. Given the dynamic developments in the coatings industry—both technological and economic—we’d like to highlight the ten most-clicked articles of 2024, offering a recap of the key trends and events that shaped the year.
1. Cottonseed oil as a renewable source for the development of highly functional UV-curable materials
An innovative approach using cottonseed oil as a renewable source for UV-curable materials showcases how the industry is turning to sustainable raw materials to reduce environmental impact while enhancing coating performance: read article.
2. Interview: The high pH approach is not suitable for some water-borne coatings
This interview discusses an important aspect of waterborne coating technology: the high pH approach isn’t always the optimal solution. Understanding chemical processes and their influence on coating quality remains a central focus for research: read article.
3. Merck signs agreement to sell Surface Solutions business unit to GNMI
A major shift in corporate strategies: Merck sells its Surface Solutions division to GNMI, which will have significant implications for the surface solutions market and the associated technologies: read article.
4. Insights from David Dominguez Briolf: The future of water-based coatings
David Dominguez from Briolf offers a fascinating outlook on the future of water-based coatings, a topic that is becoming increasingly important in an era that demands more sustainable practices in the industry: read article.
5. New additive process enables the production of better and more environmentally friendly chemicals of high value
This article highlights an innovative process for producing more environmentally friendly, high-value chemicals, helping to promote sustainability in the coatings industry: read article.
6. Dr. Jörg Krames appointed as new President and CEO of BYK-Gardner
The appointment of Dr. Jörg Krames as the new CEO of BYK-Gardner was one of the most significant personnel announcements of the year, signaling the company’s ongoing development in the field of quality control and measurement technology: read article.
7. Top 3 countries with the most companies in the top 25 of the paint and coatings industry
This article provides an overview of the leading countries in the global coatings industry and explores the key markets that significantly influence industry developments: read article.
8. Alisha Bellezza, PPG: The automotive industry is undergoing an enormous change
Alisha Bellezza of PPG discusses the enormous changes taking place in the automotive industry and the impact these shifts are having on the coatings sector—an area that has been particularly shaped by innovation and transformation in recent years: read article.
9. Bio-based coatings: Growing market share, unclear definition
The market for bio-based coatings is growing, but definitions are often unclear. This article delves into the challenges and opportunities of this emerging market: read article.
10. A flexible and transparent superhydrophobic coating on cotton fabrics with high mechanical and chemical stability for underwater insulation
A fascinating article on the development of superhydrophobic coatings suitable for application on cotton fabrics, offering exceptional mechanical and chemical stability, making them ideal for underwater insulation applications: read article.
2024 has brought numerous exciting developments and challenges to the coatings industry. Sustainability and innovation have been at the forefront, both in terms of the raw materials used and the technologies that enhance the performance of coatings. Notably, the increasing importance of bio-based materials and more sustainable manufacturing methods has not only reduced environmental impact but also improved the performance of end products. At the same time, new business strategies—such as mergers and acquisitions—and shifts in the automotive industry have been key drivers of market changes.
The articles presented reflect the breadth and complexity of the topics that currently define the coatings industry. They underscore the need to stay ahead in a fast-paced, technology-driven world while maintaining a focus on sustainable and future-proof solutions. We are excited to share these insights with you and look forward to seeing what developments the coming year will bring.
