According to IHS, the major change that has taken place in the coatings industry during the last 20 years has been the adoption of new coating technologies. This is not surprising to industrial painting contractors, who know that this change has been driven, at least in part, by new government regulations on air pollution control focusing on industrial coating operations.
The new regulations continue to stimulate the development of low-solvent and solventless coatings, which will continue the pursuit of reductions in the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Also forcing change are rising solvent costs and the need for energy conservation.
There are several new kinds of coating technologies, such as high-solids coatings, two-component systems, powder coatings radiation-curable coatings, and waterborne (thermosetting emulsion, colloidal dispersion, water-soluble) coatings. Each of these help reduce the environmental impact of industrial projects.
Interestingly, the U.S. ranked third in coatings production in the world, with Asia leading the way and Europe in second place.
During the next five years, air pollution regulations will continue to be a driving force behind the adoption of new coating technologies. Look for new and improved product
offerings in the areas of low-component systems, high-solids coatings and, of course, the new waterborne coatings.
Is your business staying on the cutting edge of these new industrial painting technologies?
