Leading coatings manufacturers are seeing more interest in DIY projects and home renovations as opposed to new construction.
The architectural paint and coatings market is the largest segment in the coatings industry, with estimates from MarketsandMarkets placing it at approximately $85 billion in 2023. Other estimates are fairly similar in terms of revenue.
It is a market that is in flux; for example, as our India/Asia Pacific columnist Yogender Singh points out in his column in this issue, AkzoNobel is reportedly considering pulling out of India. In even larger news, PPG sold its North American and Canadian architectural coatings division to American Industrial Partners (AIP) at a transaction value of $550 million.
“Our company was recently acquired by American Industrial Partners (AIP) and was renamed to The Pittsburgh Paints Company, honoring our mission and deep heritage delivering architectural paint and stain product excellence and innovation to commercial and residential customers across the United States and Canada,” said Jenny Burroughs, SVP and chief marketing officer, Pittsburgh Paints Company.
“The name, The Pittsburgh Paints Company, carries a rich history dating back to 1897, when the original company began marketing paints designed to be both durable and visually appealing,” added Burroughs. “Looking forward, we are excited about the opportunity ahead as we build a faster, more focused, and stronger company.”
‘Green’ Technologies
There is increasing interest in environmentally friendly or “green” products, and paint and coatings manufacturers are developing products that meet these needs.
“We have seen a consistent demand for high-quality, water-based paints and coatings with low and zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs),” Burroughs said. “Not only do these products impact indoor air quality, but they also ensure a faster return to service or no service disruption in commercial spaces like offices, hotels or retail locations.
“More recently, there is also a growing focus on circularity and bio-based and renewable raw materials,” added Burroughs. “While these materials are emerging, the industry is exploring alternatives to fossil fuel-derived ingredients, such as bio-based resins and solvents. The industry is also seeing an increasing desire to minimize and remove any material of concerns that have potential impact to the environment and our health such as APEO, certain biocides, and PFAS.”
Fisher said that Dutch Boy Paints is committed to sustainability through innovations such as technological advancements in products, like the improved Platinum Plus with Stain-Shield Technology and Anti-Scuff Formula, which ensure longer-lasting finishes, reducing the frequency of repaints and related use of resources.
“We continue to develop water-based paints that deliver exceptional performance while aligning with eco-friendly values,” Fisher added.
Williams noted that Behr Paint Company is committed to sustainability, transparency, and building a positive environmental and social legacy.
“Our efforts focus on developing low-VOC formulations and high-performance water-based technologies,” added Williams. “These innovations contribute to cleaner indoor air and help reduce the need for frequent repainting, aligning with our mission to minimize waste and promote longevity. Our paint cans also include a first-of-its-kind Simple Pour Lid and packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.”
van Rijn noted that AkzoNobel is focusing on advancing more sustainable solutions for architectural applications through innovative technologies in powder coatings, coil coatings and
wood finishes.
“For powder coatings, we’ll continue innovating our Interpon D1036 Low-E and Interpon D2525 Low-E offering, which had an initial launch in the Europe and Middle East region,” said van Rijn. “We aim to further reduce curing temperatures and continue helping customers to lower their energy consumption, reduce costs and minimize carbon emissions during the application process, while also maintaining exceptional durability and aesthetic quality in architectural projects.”
van Rijn observed that labor shortages in several regions have heightened the demand for high-performance products that are easier to apply and reduce waste.
“To address this need while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability, we’ve developed innovations such as our AI-powered FlightPath Pro solution,” said van Rijn. “This advanced technology leverages machine learning to optimize application processes, improve coating accuracy and increase overall efficiency, helping customers save both time and resources.
“Another area of focus is electron beam (e-beam) curing for coil coatings, which uses a directed stream of electrons to harden coatings without relying on traditional thermal curing methods,” added van Rijn. “This approach reduces energy consumption, improves productivity and avoids the environmental impact of gas or electric ovens. Collaborating with Wuxi El Pont Radiation Technology Co., Ltd., we’re working on e-beam processes to provide high-quality finishes with a lower carbon footprint, supporting more sustainable building design practices.”
In wood finishes, van Rijn said that AkzoNobel is emphasizing waterborne coatings to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and minimize solvent content. These coatings, including one and two-component systems with polyurethane hardeners, provide durability comparable to traditional solvent-based finishes while being more sustainable.
“Suitable for applications ranging from furniture to building products, these waterborne solutions help customers achieve excellent results with a reduced environmental impact, aligning with the architectural sector’s growing focus on more sustainable practices,” said van Rijn. “By concentrating on these innovations, AkzoNobel is supporting the transition to more sustainable solutions, helping customers balance performance with environmental responsibility.”