More than just a trend: sustainability in paints and coatings

When it comes to paints, printing inks, laboratory, production, testing and measuring technology, adhesives and construction chemicals, Europe is the world's most important market with 40.6 billion euros. It is forecast to grow by 3.4 percent (in value) and 1.5 percent (in size) by 2028.

The world's most important trade fair takes place every two years in Nuremberg. In addition, the organizer Vincentz Network from Hanover organizes five other industry events around the globe. At the ECS in Nuremberg, global market leaders, innovators and experts from all sectors come together to discuss raw materials, services and technologies along the value chain.

The 2025 event broke all records: more than 1,200 exhibitors from over 40 countries, around 26,000 trade visitors and more than 140 conference presentations. A major topic at the trade fair and conference: sustainability.

Innovative product technologies are a major lever when it comes to transforming the system, emphasized Prof. Katja Loos from the University of Groningen in her keynote speech: "The greatest potential lies in the development of advanced coatings that combine performance and sustainability, such as water-based systems - these innovations can significantly reduce the_{carbon footprint}."

Sectors such as construction, automotive and industrial printing are already pushing for solutions that are both functional and environmentally friendly. Europe is leading the way here, having started the transformation of the industry decades ago. Led by the Nordic countries, which took up the challenge of water-based paints and varnishes, the portfolio was changed. Fewer solvents, more environmentally friendly materials.

The change can also be seen in long-lasting industrial chemicals that are not degradable in nature and accumulate in human tissue and the environment: polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS for short. The industry has been focusing intensively on the development of sustainable alternatives for years.

Dr. Frank Brouwer, specialist in renewable chemistry at Stahl, market leader in special coatings for flexible materials, has his eye not only on the individual sectors but also on the big picture: "Sustainability in the coatings industry is about redefining the industry itself." In his keynote speech "The impossible project", he compared the transformation in his industry to that of analog photography in a sustainable digital age: "We have to preserve our core expertise and focus on renewables at the same time."

The German Beckers Group, a leading supplier of coil coatings, proves that the industry is on the right track with its "Beckers Sustainability Index" (BSI), which is firmly anchored in the company's goals for 2030. This is an instrument that quantifies the sustainability of a product. Dr. Susana Hult Torron, Head of Research and Development: "If we can measure it, we can improve it."