LANXESS to display low-carbon pigments, low-VOC and microbial control solutions at ACS 2026
Last update on Apr 24, 2026
Specialty chemicals company LANXESS will introduce new lower-carbon pigment technology and next-generation low-VOC additives, alongside advancements in microbial control and plant hygiene management, at the 2026 American Coatings Show in Indianapolis, May 5 - 7. At booth 1037, the company will showcase a comprehensive offering spanning organic and inorganic pigments, biocides, coalescents, flame retardants and plasticizers, supported by global manufacturing and technical expertise.
Micronized iron oxide yellow pigments for low CF coatings
LANXESS will introduce its new Bayferrox® Scopeblue® micronized iron oxide yellow pigments - Bayferrox® 3910, Bayferrox® 3910 LV and Bayferrox® 3920 - designed to help formulators significantly lower the carbon footprint of high-end coatings.
Interested in iron oxide pigments? See LANXESS grades >>
Produced using more resource-efficient raw materials and renewable energy, these grades deliver an approximate 35% carbon footprint reduction versus standard Bayferrox® pigments.
Scopeblue® grades are ISCC PLUS certified via the mass balance method and provide the same color, composition and performance as conventional pigments for seamless drop-in use.
See 60+ ISCC+ certified grades from our Master Catalog >>
“Bayferrox® Scopeblue® pigments enable formulators to reduce the carbon footprint of premium coatings without compromising color strength, consistency or processing. Because they are true drop-in alternatives, customers can accelerate their sustainability programs with no need for reformulation,” said Renata Rodrigues, head of LANXESS Inorganic Pigments business, Americas.
Multifunctional coalescents for waterborne coatings
LANXESS will also introduce Koalex MFX, a multifunctional coalescent developed to meet rising regulatory pressure on VOCs while improving key performance characteristics in waterborne coatings.
Interested in low-VOC ingredients? See all grades from LANXESS >>
Koalex MFX technology delivers:
- Lower VOC contribution - reduced VOC impact compared with conventional coalescents, supporting regulatory compliance targets
- More efficient film formation - strong film formation at lower use levels, helping optimize cost-in-use while enhancing application latitude
- Accelerated hardness development - faster early and long-term hardness build, improving durability and reducing time-to-service
- Improved block and burnish resistance - enhanced resistance to tack, sticking and surface marking, helping coatings maintain appearance and performance in demanding environments
- Increased in-can formulation robustness - improved overall in-can resilience, supporting more trouble-free formulations and enabling opportunities for optimized biocide use
Learn about coalescing agents in coating formulations >>
“Koalex MFX tackles a longstanding challenge in waterborne coatings: cutting VOCs without sacrificing film integrity or durability. Its multifunctional performance also offers formulators an opportunity to simplify raw materials in a demanding supply and regulatory environment,” said Glen Bowen, head of LANXESS Polymer Additives business, Americas.
Looking for VOC-free coalescing agents? See all grades from our Master Catalog >>
Regulatory complaint in-can and dry-film preservatives
As a provider of microbial control technologies, LANXESS will highlight its broad portfolio of in-can and dry-film preservatives for the coatings industry, including solutions tailored to regional regulations and performance needs. The company’s technical and microbiology teams support customers in developing robust preservation programs and navigating rapidly evolving biocide regulations worldwide.
Discover how to formulate coatings for in-can protection >>
The shift toward water-based coatings has increased the risk of microbial contamination during production and storage, making plant hygiene more critical than ever. At the same time, stricter global biocide regulations are reducing allowable preservative levels, requiring manufacturers to rely more on proactive plant hygiene practices to maintain product stability.
LANXESS supports these needs with its Control - Detect - Prevent (CDP) concept for plant hygiene management. CDP helps manufacturers identify contamination hotspots in raw materials, tanks and process equipment, enabling them to minimize downtime, reduce microbial spoilage and protect product quality.
A central element of the CDP concept is Bioban QK 20 (formerly known as Dowicil QK 20), a fast-acting DBNPA-based biocide designed for short-term preservation and rapid microbial control, helping customers maintain optimum plant hygiene standards.
Water-based pigment dispersions
In addition to these highlights, LANXESS will present a broader range of solutions for the coatings industry. This includes its Levanyl® (organic) and Levanox® (inorganic) water-based pigment dispersions, which are free of binding agents and characterized by high color strength and low viscosity. These dispersions can be used in decorative paints, inks, paper, synthetic leather, wood preservatives and numerous other applications.
Check out the science principles behind pigment dispersion >>
The portfolio is complemented by a variety of other additives: K-FLEX® coalescents and plasticizers for improved gloss, abrasion resistance and scrub resistance; Mesamoll® phthalate-free plasticizers, providing long-term flexibility in sealants and adhesives; and Disflamoll® phosphorus-based flame retardants supporting fire protection requirements in coatings, adhesives and sealants.
Interested in scratch/scrub/mar resistance agents? See 1300+ grades from our Master Catalog >>