|
|
Change is Good!
You know, I have been with PCI for almost 19 years, and I have to admit that 2009 was the most challenging year for the publishing industry, as well as the coatings industry. As you know, we all had to make changes – not only in the way we conducted our business, but also in our personal lives.
by Donna Campbell | September 1, 2010 | Comments (0)
|
Dog Days of Summer
Now where on earth did that expression come from anyway? Well it so happens that traditionally the “dog days” are those that fall between July 3 and August 11 – days that are often known for their extreme heat and humidity. Some say it signifies hot, sultry days “not fit for a dog” and others claim it is the weather in which dogs go mad.
by Darlene Brezinski | August 1, 2010 | Comments (0)
|
The Year We Held Our Breath
In some respects, the last half of 2008 and almost all of 2009 was a time when the world collectively held its breath, as we watched the global economy come to a sudden halt and teeter on the brink of serious disaster. The money supply literally froze as banks stopped lending. The U.S. housing market dropped precipitously. The American automotive industry, a mainstay of U.S. manufacturing, also wavered on the edge, with two of the Big Three automakers going into bankruptcy proceedings.
by Karen Parker | July 1, 2010 | Comments (0)
|
They Are All Great Issues!
You know each issue of PCI that we finish I think is the best one – until the next month. I am always so pleased with the features, the new technology and all of the technological changes I see in the industry – particularly when you have been around a while you can look back and see significant change over time. I have the advantage of reading a great number of submitted papers and company literature each day, and it is always exciting.
by Darlene Brezinski | June 1, 2010 | Comments (0)
|
2010 American Coatings Show & Conference a Great Success!
The 2010 American Coatings Show & Conference wrapped up on April 15, and the general consensus of the organizers as well as all whom PCI staff spoke with was that the event was a success. Numbers were up from 2008, with 328 exhibitors and about 6,700 overall participants (2008: 331/5,600).
by Kristin Johansson | May 1, 2010 | Comments (1)
|
Coatings Attendance is Encouraging!!
Judging by events held in February for the coatings community and what is scheduled for March and April, I think things are looking up.
by Darlene Brezinski | April 1, 2010 | Comments (0)
|
Uncertainty
As hard as I try to maintain optimism and really look in all the nooks and crannies for signs of a major turnaround – it is still tough out there. When you have been in the industry as long as I have it is so frustrating and sad to see a lack of growth, R&D budgets severely curtailed and in some cases cut completely, and an industry that you love continue to shrink.
by Darlene Brezinski | March 1, 2010 | Comments (0)
|
In the Eye of the Beholder
Among the Web Exclusive features this month we have the PPG auto color trend report and also a report from the Paint Quality Institute on architectural color trends.
by Darlene Brezinski | February 1, 2010 | Comments (0)
|
Happy New Year!
We have two choices as we start this New Year – approach with fear and hesitancy or be guardedly optimistic and move forward. I choose the latter, as I think if we don’t show confidence we will spiral ourselves downward.
by Darlene Brezinski | January 1, 2010 | Comments (0)
|
Happy Holiday Season to All!
On behalf of the PCI staff I want to take this opportunity to wish our readers, advertisers and contributing authors a very happy holiday season. We are successful because of your continued support, encouragement and feedback – we always welcome your viewpoint.
by Darlene Brezinski | December 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
|
Sustainability
Globally, the economic downturn this year has been rather depressing, and the coatings industry has suffered through a year of contraction and discouraging news. We have two major coatings sectors that have been seriously impacted – automotive and new home construction, affecting the architectural and appliance coating markets. The industry has been doing all it can to look at alternate raw materials, processes and energy/cost saving measures while at the same time being innovative, green and sustainable. No easy task!
by Darlene Brezinski | November 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
|
Our Cup Runneth Over
We are indeed in unique technological times – it is a challenge to keep pace with advancements in computer technology, science and information sharing. Sometimes it is just overwhelming. The Internet has made communication instantaneous and, despite the misuse and abuse, the positives are mind-boggling.
by Darlene Brezinski | October 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
|
The Drunk and the Light Post
I know with the above title I have your attention for a few moments. In one of our features this month the author likens some people using UV measurement to a drunk using a light post – “more for support than illumination.”
by Darlene Brezinski | September 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
|
Nanoparticles – Mega Effect
As you know, we have been trying to incorporate more nano-related material into our editorial features and also in our e-newsletter, Insider News. There is so much exciting nanotechnology research being done – the frustration for me is that a great deal of it is outside the coatings venue and, therefore, we simply cannot cover it.
by Dr. Darlene Brezinski | August 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
|
Global and North American Industry Leaders
This issue of PCI contains the 17th annual listing of top coatings manufacturers for 2008, both globally and in North America. Surprisingly not all that much changed from 2007, and the declines were not as severe as could have been expected given the global economic distress.
by Darlene Brezinski | July 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
|
TiO2 Industry Report – An Excellent Read
Usually a conference write-up will touch on a few highlights, give some statistics and be fairly brief. Not so the TiO2 conference report in this issue of PCI. In my 35 years in the industry I don’t recall ever reading a conference report that in fact was so thorough and all inclusive as to be an industry market report on the global business today. And it was enjoyable reading!
by Darlene Brezinski | June 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
|
Stimulus Is Us
The U.S. Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), and President Obama signed it into law on Feb. 17. As the dust settles and details of the plan begin to emerge, we all wonder how the bill will impact our lives, our jobs and the industries where we work.
by Karen Parker | May 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
|
Arteries of Life
Technical meetings (Symposiums/Conferences/Congresses) are analogous to the human arterial system. They provide communication among various individual members of the coatings community and larger technology-focused groups regardless of geographical location.
by Darlene Brezinski | April 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
|
Looking to Nürnberg
Once again it is time for this extraordinary event in the coatings industry – the European Coatings Show and Congress. The 2007 show attracted over 23,000 trade visitors from 99 countries – all of whom were seeking technical and business information from over 800 exhibitors.
by Darlene Brezinski | March 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
|
What Do You Want to be When You Grow Up?
One day a couple of years ago, I woke up and realized I was 60 years old. On that particular day, I looked at myself in the mirror and said, “Sara, you are 60 years old.” So, what do I have to say to that? Some questions came to mind. Questions like: Have I done all that I wanted to do in my career? In my work, did I leave the earth a better place than I found it? Did I make anyone laugh? Did I make a difference? Do we really know what rust is? Will anybody remember me?
by Sara Robinson | February 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
|
Wishing All a Prosperous and Peaceful 2009
We take this opportunity to wish all of you, our readers and advertisers, a healthy and prosperous New Year, and we do so starting on an optimistic note. The last several months have been tumultuous, causing widespread fear and anxiety. We – as an industry – MUST focus and look to the future.
by Darlene Brezinski | January 1, 2009 | Comments (0)
|
Happy Holidays!
On behalf of the PCI staff I want to take this opportunity to wish our readers, advertisers and contributing authors a very happy holiday season. We are successful because of your continued support, encouragement and feedback.
by Darlene Brezinski | December 1, 2008 | Comments (0)
|
Coatings and Forensic Science
This issue has a wide variety of industry-important features and again emphasizes the focus on lower VOCs through the use of new polymer and additive technology, low-energy curing and environmental concerns.
by Darlene Brezinski | November 1, 2008 | Comments (0)
|
Chemical Industry Recurrent Themes
Its fall already and, as we wind down this year, I find myself looking forward to 2009, as I think it bodes great technological advances. The last 12 months have seen a consistent increase in “green” and “sustainability” themes. Some of this is pure market spin, but a great deal of it is not, and our industry is rising to the challenge of introducing eco-friendly and bio-based products, sustainability, green technology, nanotechnology and green nanotechnology.
by Darlene Brezinski | October 1, 2008 | Comments (0)
|
Sustainable UV
by Mr. John Schnarr
Mr. Dan Sweetwood | September 1, 2008 | Comments (0)
|
Three Little Letters
America Has a New Coatings Show
The first American Coatings Show and Conference was held from June 2-5 at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina.
by Kristin Johansson | July 1, 2008 | Comments (0)
|  |
RadTech 2008
If you were looking to learn, to grow, to change your business practices, to formulate, to network or just to share ideas, RadTech 2008 was the right location.
by Darlene Brezinski | June 1, 2008 | Comments (0)
|
An Inaugural Event
The American Coatings Show and Conference premieres in Charlotte, NC,
with the Trade Show taking place from June 3-5 and the Conference from
June 2-4, 2008. The new American trade show for the coatings industry,
which is hosted by NPCA and Vincentz Network, and organized by
NürnbergMesse North America, will emulate its successful model, the
European Coatings Show.
by Darlene Brezinski | May 1, 2008 | Comments (0)
|  |
|
| |
|
|
|
