Protecting and decorating the world: Ceresana analyzes the global paints and varnishes market
paints and varnishes do not merely fulfill aesthetical tasks through their visual appearance, but also have protective properties important to many products. Wind power stations, container-vessels or oil rigs at sea would only last a short time if exposed to natural forces without protective coating.
Strong recovery after years of crisis
Due to multiple requirements in many applications, the development of the market for paints and varnishes is highly dependent on macroeconomic development. Thus, the market was not spared by the global economic crisis in 2008/09, but since then was able to recover at above-average rates. In addition to increasing consumption in industrial processes, prospering construction sectors in many emerging and developing countries are supporting the increase of demand. Also, the growing world population is in need of new housing space and an improved infrastructure.
Changes on the world market
Market researchers at Ceresana expect that Asia-Pacific will continue to expand its leading position on the world market within the next eight years. Already now about a third of global revenues are generated in this region.
A rise in demand and increasing application possibilities for multifunctional paints and varnishes are indicating a positive demand development. "Global demand is likely to reach a level of about 48 million tonnes in 2019 and to continue development at accelerated growth rates in comparison to the previous eight years", forecasts Oliver Kutsch, CEO of Ceresana.
Solvent-free products on the rise
In 2011, more than half of paints and varnishes processed worldwide were water-based. Consumption volume is likely to increase during the next eight years, as more and more solvent-based paints and varnishes are replaced by other technologies. Many manufacturers develop solvent-free and environmentally-friendly paints and varnishes that are, for example, suitable for steel containers or internal coatings. This allows reducing environmental pollution by VOC emissions. This development is further fuelled by legal requirements and a heightened environmental consciousness on the part of the consumers.
New technologies and innovative properties
The system solutions offered in production processes render an equivalent utilization of water-based products possible. Powder coatings and radiation-cured coatings are resource- and energy-saving alternative product types that contribute to the sustainable development of this industrial branch.
In addition to more environmentally friendly products, many companies are also developing other product solutions. Apart from their decorative and protective properties, paints and varnishes are expected to fulfill additional requirements. So called smart coatings are contributing to heat insulation, are self-cleaning, antibacterial or able to repair smaller defects in paint work. Research and development are making increased used of material relying on nanotechnology.
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