On Oct. 22-23, PCI’s Shanghai office launched the 2014 Industrial Coatings Innovative Technology Conference at the Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview. Publisher Donna Campbell and Editor-in-Chief Kristin Johansson attended the event, which welcomed nearly 400 attendees. The conference included a main track for a portion of each day, as well as four break-out tracks, a brainstorming session, and a small-scale exhibition.
Johansson delivered the opening speech on the first day of the event. Citing a report from consulting firm Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney, she noted that water-based technology led in global coating volume in 2013 with a 52% share of the pounds and was second in value with 40% of the dollars. Solvent-based paints were 41% of the worldwide volume and 48% of the value. Industrial applications were 68% of the solvent-based coatings pounds and 80% of the dollars. Powder, radcure and other 100%-solid coatings are found in industrial applications and combined for 7% of the pounds and 12% of the value. Global regulations, consumer demands and emphasis on environmental protection are key factors that contribute to the growth of industrial coatings, including water-based, powder, UV and high-solids coatings. Based on this understanding, this year’s conference was centered around the innovation and development of industrial coatings, with highlights on these four major green categories.