NPCA marked its 120th year of service to the paint and coatings industry at its Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh Oct. 28-30.

Results from Our Sixth Annual Salary Survey

2007 has shown so far to be on the upswing in merger and acquisition activity.

Rising raw material costs, an overall slowdown in economic activity in mature markets, tightening VOC regulations and consolidation are all key trends facing exterior architectural coatings manufacturers.

While the automotive refinish market is level to slightly declining in the mature markets of North America and Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Asia-Pacific are experiencing healthy growth.

Paint majors continue to invest more dollars in India, which is one of the fastest growing markets across the globe.

The coatings additives team at Eastman Chemical Co. took Coatings World on a tour of its new paint spray facility for a behind-the-scenes up-close look at the type of high-tech innovation that is leading the company forward as a first-class supplier to the coatings industry.

Suppliers look to the Asia-Pacific region as this area becomes the largest consumer of titanium dioxide.

Combining the dual advantage of durability and low environmental impact, powder coatings are poised for positive growth in the years ahead. While powder coatings continue to grow even in the mature markets of Western Europe and North America, major powder coatings producers like DuPont and Akzo Nobel are looking to the emerging markets of China and Eastern Europe for the greatest growth opportunities.

Consolidation continues to be a trend in the construction chemicals market.

The key driver for biocides is the continuing move from solventborne to waterborne coatings.

Joseph Pontoski, executive director of the FSCT, and Andrew Doyle, president of NPCA, spoke with Coatings World about several issues including the failed merger discussions between the two organizations, the status of the ICE Show, the launch of the American Coatings Show and how these developments will affect the coatings industry.

High performance pigment suppliers must balance cost with value-added features and benefits in order to remain competitive.

Suppliers continue to develop new innovative offerings to improve and expand the use of UV and EB formulations.

Lab equipment suppliers sound off on their latest products and services for the coatings R&D lab.

As the metallic look continues to be a hot styling trend among consumers, metallic pigments suppliers are developing new technology for paint and coatings manufacturers who depend on differentiation as a major key to success.

Fueled by an international construction boom and opportunities to capitalize on the shift to water-based systems, industrial coatings manufacturers expect healthy growth for the future.

Here is a look at the latest offerings from select media and milling equipment manufacturers. For more information on the products listed, please contact the company directly.

As new investments continue to be made by paint and coatings manufacturers in Latin America, growth in the region is influenced by several factors including the battle for market share and the broad diversity of economies there.

Paint and coatings companies must continue to address VOC content in order to remain competitive.

With the International Maritime Organization’s TBT antifouling treaty set to take effect Jan. 2008, along with the continuing surge of copper prices, marine paint makers and their raw material suppliers are adapting to meet these demands.

Here is a look at offerings from select suppliers of biocides, fungicides, algaecides and related products. For more information on the products listed, please contact the company directly.

The global market for radcure coatings is robust as segments continue to innovate more uses for this technology. In addition to the environmental advantages of radcure coatings, others include the ability to coat heatsensitive materials, better overall quality of finished products, near instantanious cure and space savings.

Resin suppliers focus on improved productivity and innovative new products to drive growth in this challenging market.

Today’s color trends are being influenced by many factors including culture, environmental issues and the rapid advancement of technology.

With the EU’s REACH legislation set to come into effect this June, suppliers and customers in the coatings industry will have to make major adjustments in their business operations to effectively navigate the new regulatory environment.

Here is a look at the latest offerings from select lab equipment manufacturers. For more information on the products listed, please contact the company directly.

Automotive OEM coatings suppliers face the challenge of rising raw material and energy costs by focusing on developing energy-reducing technologies.

Coatings manufacturers and contractors attended PACE 2007 in Dallas, TX to network, attend educational sessions, and roam the show floor to learn about the newest and most innovative technologies.

This year’s symposium presented a new, expanded theme: “Advances in Intelligent Coatings Design.”

Here is a look at offerings from select testing equipment manufacturers. For more information on the products listed, please contact the company directly.

Here is a look at the latest offerings from select surfactants suppliers. For more information on the products listed, please contact the company directly.

Wood coatings manufacturers continue to develop new products and technologies for both interior and exterior applications, addressing DIYer demands and increasingly strict VOC regulations.

Nanotechnology will play a key role in the corrosion inhibitor market as new technology is developed.

While 2006 showed signs of a pickup in merger and acquisition activity in the paint and coatings industry, buyers nevertheless remain cautious.

Here is a look at the latest offerings from select mixing equipment manufacturers. For more information on the products listed, please contact the company directly.

As paint makers in the U.S. and Western Europe struggle to make money under current market conditions, emerging regions offer opportunities for growth.

Although the pigments market must continue to deal with rising raw material prices, improving economic conditions worldwide and cost cutting initiatives offer some much needed optimism.

Key issues facing additive suppliers include increasing raw material and energy prices, emerging markets and regulatory legislation.

Having grown to one of the largest ink companies in the world, Toyo Ink has marked its 100th year. Moving forward, the company is focused on growing its paint pigments business.