European Coatings Show 2025 wrap-up: Charting a course towards sustainable and high-performance coatings

Sustainability, as expected, took center stage, with exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge solutions. These were aligned with global environmental goals. The coatings industry is making bold strides toward reducing its carbon footprint. This is evident from bio-based raw materials to low-VOC formulations and circular economy initiatives.

Suppliers emphasized innovation in durability, recyclability, and energy efficiency. Thus demonstrating that sustainability is not just a trend but a fundamental shift shaping the future of coatings. Let's take a tour of the innovations then!

Bio-based breakthroughs reshaping coating technologies

Wanhua Chemical introduced Lacper® 4605, a high bio-based content wood furniture coating emulsion. It pushes the boundaries of sustainable materials. It is a bio-based PDI derived from biomass lysine that boasts over 71% bio-based carbon content and significantly lowers CO₂ emissions.

Syensqo came up with its green solvents from the Rhodiasolv® range, made from circular raw materials. They also showcased Rhodoline® 6100, a wetting and dispersing agent with 33% bio-based materials.

ICL introduced visitors to its HALOX® 580 – a 50% bio-based, ultra-low VOC corrosion inhibitor.

Primient Covation presented its non-toxic, food-safe Susterra® Propanediol. It is a pure, plant-based, petroleum-free diol.
 

Primient Covation presented Susterra® Propanediol

Elementis emphasized its "Adding Future" strategy, focusing on responsible and bio-based additives, hectorite, rheology, and formulation solutions. They highlighted the use of naturally derived hectorite, which reduces material usage in formulations.

Eco-forward coatings: Renewable input and reduced emissions

WACKER introduced VINNOL® H 15/45 M, a polymer binder manufactured using renewable energy sources. This results in a lower product carbon footprint.
 

Evonik up the game with its:
 

• TEGO® Wet Terra biosurfactants, derived from 100% natural and readily biodegradable sources. The TEGO® Wet eCO and TEGO® Foamex eCO utilize ISCC-certified raw materials for a reduced carbon footprint.
• VISIOMER® Terra has a biocarbon content of up to 85%.
• VISIOMER® eCO product line is based on mass-balanced raw materials from readily available feedstocks.

allnex's UCECOAT® 7997 is a polyurethane dispersion derived from renewable feedstocks, which is 15% bio carbon certified by ASTM D6866. It is solvent-free, APEO-free, and does not contain organic tin compounds.

Arichemie introduced the new Vocaflex-RN series that contains a high proportion of renewable raw materials. They are also addressing the challenges of REACH evaluations and the potential PFAS ban by offering alternative raw material solutions.

Sasol Chemicals introduced Sasolwax LC Spray 30 G and Sasolwax LC Spray 30 G-EF. These are micronized waxes with a 32% lower product carbon footprint (PCF) compared to their standard products.

Westlake Epoxy showcased EpoVIVE™, a portfolio of epoxy resins that use ISCC PLUS mass-balanced renewable raw materials to lower carbon emissions.

All these innovations are a clear indication of the industry's efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable resources.

 

Rise of recycled content in next-gen coatings

Cargill introduced Cargill™ Priplast™ RE. It is a polyol range based on 100% recycled PET content or combining rPET with bio-based content.

Kuraray highlighted its ISCC PLUS certified MOWITAL® PVB resins and KURARAY POVAL™ polyvinyl alcohols. Thus demonstrating the use of bio-based and recycled raw materials.
 

Kuraray highlighted its ISCC PLUS certified PVB and polyvinyl alcohols

Following the recycled trend is Shark Solutions with its waterborne dispersions based on 100% recycled, post-consumer polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This offers a low-carbon-footprint alternative to traditional binders and demonstrates excellent wet scrub resistance and opacity.

Spotlight on low-VOC & water-based innovations

Sun Chemical was on the top of its game with multiple brands to support the water-based, low VOC trend:
 

• HYDRAN™ GP line of water-based polyurethane dispersions (PUD) contain no amines, reducing VOCs and greenhouse gas emissions.
• POLURGREEN BT, a PDI aliphatic trimer product line for green building applications.
• WATERSOL AC line of water-based emulsions and dispersions caters to the automotive industry.

BYK displayed its new VOC, mineral oil, and silicone-free powder defoamer BYK-1693 SD. It is used in aqueous building material formulations.

Kaneka presented its KANEKA MS POLYMER™, which is isocyanate-free, low-VOC Silyl-Terminated Polyether (STPE) base resin. It offers excellent durability, reactivity, and storage stability.

SONGWON showcased its liquid HPT solutions developed for the rapidly growing waterborne coatings segment. These include the following:
 

• SONGSORB® CS 400 series of high-performance UVAs,
• SONGSORB® CS AQ01 HALS, and
• SONGSORB® CS B blends

Incorez was present with its waterborne polyurethane dispersions, which are non-hazardous. Crystalline polyurethane coatings, based on Dispurez® grades, have properties equivalent to coatings based on pyrrolidone solvents.
 

Elisa Bonaldi from SpecialChem with team Incorez

Kuraray's MMB made a debut at the event. It is developed as a solvent for emulsions and a coalescing agent for water-based paints.

LB Group highlighted its LR-971 pigment for matt water-based coatings and printing inks.

Evonik stepped up silanes innovation with waterborne Dynasylan® HYDROSIL and Dynasylan® SIVO, chromium-free alternatives to traditional conversion systems. They enhance environmental sustainability and offer cost-effective metal treatment and corrosion protection without compromising performance.

 

Sustainability efforts don't end here! Here is more:
 

• KRAHN Chemie positioned itself as a partner in sustainability. It offers services like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) development.
• Imerys highlighted their SustainAgility Solutions Assessment (SSA) methodology for evaluating product sustainability. They have a mission to unlock the sustainable potential of minerals.
• Nouryon is also contributing with Expancel® microspheres that reduce the density of paint and, therefore, the raw materials used.

Digitalization is reshaping the way coatings are designed, produced, and applied. This is evident from AI-driven formulation development to real-time process monitoring and smart coatings with adaptive properties. At the European Coatings Show 2025, six conferences were organized focused on:
 

1. Machine learning techniques to predict color changes in the coating drying process
2. Binder and formulation design using Monte Carlo Simulation
3. Machine learning enabled formulation development to predict the next best experiment, targeting a balance of properties
4. Model to fasten formulation development by predicting properties
5. Science-based formulation of coatings via web apps
6. Leveraging AI and machine learning with the Citrine Platform to accelerate innovations

By integrating data analytics, automation, and machine learning, companies are optimizing resources, reducing waste, and accelerating innovation. Thus paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future in coatings. Let's have a look at some of the innovations in this area.
 

• Sun Chemical's pigment finder digital app provides access to product carbon footprint statements and other digital features. Discover more about the pigment finder digital app.
• Covestro announced the use of a new cloud-based solution for product-specific lifecycle analyses (LCA). It enables significantly faster and more precise calculation of a products' environmental footprint but also identifies concrete approaches to reducing the CO₂ footprint.
• IMCD's Expert4Experts sessions offer formulators the opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with technical and market specialists. Find out more about IMCD's Expert4Experts sessions.
• BYK presented its fully automated high throughput screening (HTS) facility, which significantly reduces product development times. Read more about the fully automated HTS facility.

The latest advancements in high-performance additives and resins are redefining the capabilities of 'modern coatings'. They offer enhanced durability, flexibility, and sustainability. Innovations in resin chemistry are enabling improved adhesion, weather resistance, and mechanical strength, while cutting-edge additives are optimizing rheology, UV protection, and self-healing properties.

Let's see some of these innovations on display.

Nouryon's Bermocoll® EHM MAX, a hydrophobically modified cellulose ether, offers up to 10% greater efficiency in rheology modification for architectural paints. It improves application properties and overall quality.

Sun Chemical's CERANATE is a polysiloxane-acrylic hybrid resin. It offers extreme durability and weatherability, providing a technical alternative to PFAS. Their Lumina HD Exterior Sienna S3903V enhances the chroma and the distinctness of the image in mica effects. They also launched Paliocrom® Premium Orange L 2900, an effective pigment known for its maximum chroma and brilliant metallic effects.

Tolsa introduced PANGEL® W 150, a next-generation rheological additive based on high-purity bentonite. It is designed to enhance stability, workability, and performance in various formulations.

LB Group introduced new high-performance TiO₂ pigments, including BILLIONS™ TR53 for reverse-laminate printing inks.

Evonik had several key brands serving multiple applications:
 

• ANCAMINE® curing agents, tailored for high-temperature and low-temperature applications.
• VESTAGON® BF binder series for low-temperature curing PU powder coatings.
• Dynasylan® silanes for enhanced EV battery applications.
• VERSALINK® series for catalyst-free reactions and extended pot life.
• ORTEGOL® AP 100 and ORTEGOL® DA 801, adhesion promoters and dispersing agents specifically designed for EV battery potting and thermal interface materials.

WACKER displayed GENIOSIL® STP-E 140 and GENIOSIL® STP-E340, which can be formulated into tin-free sealants and adhesives. They are highly elastic and achieve a low modulus of elasticity. These properties are most desirable in the construction sector and a first in the adhesives and sealants world.

PQ Corporation showcased its wide portfolio of Gasil® and Silcron® silica matting agents. They cater to various formulation systems and end-use applications.

Wanhua Chemical is introducing high-performance isocyanate curing agents, such as WANNATE® HT-300 plus and WANNATE® IT-170B. These reduce VOC emissions and shorten drying times. Their water-based 2K solution for general furniture also delivers superior appearance, hardness, and chemical resistance.

Clariant and Omya's AddWorks® IBC 760, an innovative stabilizer solution for the SMP sealants market for superior weathering and heat stability performance.

BRB International co-exhibited with Perstorp, presenting its comprehensive range of silanes and coating additives. This included BRB Siloen® and BRB Silanil®, designed for superior performance and reliability.

Dreyplas presented Mipelon™, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) powder. It improves sliding properties, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance in coatings. It is applicable for water and solvent-based spray coating and dip coating.

Imerys showcased its ImprUV™ mineral solution to maximize the UV durability of exterior paints and its range of mica, talc, and leucophyllite mineral solutions to prevent cracking and enhance barrier properties in ETICS & Renders.

Cargill displayed its next-gen isocyanate replacement for 2K systems, Cargill™ PriNext™ technology.
 

Cargill displayed their PriNext™ technology at ECS 2025

Sasol Chemicals brings PFAS-free innovation to the forefront with its GTL FT waxes. These are MOSH/MOAH-free and do not meet the definition of microplastics.

PCBL Chemical has introduced NuTone® high-gloss carbon black grades. They are designed for specific applications in inks, paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants.

Kuraray presented IPEMA reactive diluent for durable hard coatings and MPD-based polyols for high-performance polyurethane coatings.

At last, we have BYK focused on developing additives for PFAS-free systems, including defoamers like BYK-1810 and BYK-1818, to meet customer demands without harmful substances.

In an era where coatings must withstand harsher environments and longer lifespans, enhanced durability and protection have become top priorities. Innovations in resin formulations, nanotechnology, and smart additives are pushing the boundaries of performance. Thus offering superior resistance to abrasion, UV exposure, corrosion, and chemical damage.

Next-generation coatings are extending product lifespans and reducing maintenance and environmental impact. Thus setting new standards for reliability and sustainability for automotive, aerospace, or industrial applications. Let's see what we saw in this segment:

 

ICL presented its HALOX® series:
 

• HALOX® 580, a sustainable liquid corrosion inhibitor
• HALOX® XTAIN® L-47, an Ecolabel-compliant liquid tannin stain blocker, enhancing the durability and protective properties of coatings
• HALOX® FLASH-X® 152, a zero VOC flash rust inhibitor, demonstrating advancements in corrosion protection

Evonik showcased SITREN® P 750 and SITREN® P 755, powder water repellents for mortar and rendering systems. In addition, they also displayed SITREN® Selfheal, which adds natural microbes to concrete for self-healing.

LANXESS's Klarix® XIT, a new non-biocidal additive for adhesives, was on display. It breaks down CIT and MIT within a short time with no residues in the final application. It can be used undiluted and is easily soluble in water, making it easy and flexible to use.

Tolsa showcased its commitment to sustainability with ADINS® Protection N4. It is an encapsulation-based antimicrobial additive, addressing both in-can and dry-film preservation needs.

Syensqo featured Addibond™ 106 adhesion promoter and Sipomer® MAC specialty monomer. They are designed to improve adhesion and corrosion protection in waterborne and direct-to-metal coatings.

Songwon displayed its comprehensive range of UV absorbers, hindered amine light stabilizers, and antioxidants. These are used to meet specific requirements of composite coatings, ceramics, and plastics used in industries such as automotive and transportation, decoration and architecture, furniture and flooring, and industrial and agriculture.

Last in this segment is Sasol Chemicals' micronized waxes. They offer superior surface protection, slip, rub resistance, and gloss control, enhancing the quality of various coating formulations.


Conclusion

The European Coatings Show 2025 spotlighted the industry's most crucial innovations, driving sustainability, performance, and durability forward. With breakthroughs in high-performance additives and cutting-edge technologies, the coatings sector is evolving rapidly. As demand for smarter, more sustainable solutions grows, we can expect even more groundbreaking advancements in the year ahead.