Just like the coatings industry, PCI is always evolving — developing new products and resources for our readers and customers; and staying abreast of trends and best practices in digital media. It is one of the things we like most about our jobs. If you see our team at lunch or dinner at a trade show or conference, it’s a good bet we are brainstorming new content, strategies and platforms to bring to you in the near future. Following is a snapshot of what’s new with PCI this year.

 

Monthly Topical Podcast

PCI has added 12 monthly topics to our Coat It! Podcast schedule — giving you a different way to stay on top of what’s happening in the industry. You can listen to our podcast from our website, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This year, we will discuss topics like materials of concern, technology for marine coatings, digitalization/AI, advances in finishing, coating film technology, the Global Top 10 and PCI 25 rankings, regulatory updates, the TiO2 market, color trends, mergers and acquisitions, and reviews of the big coatings conferences. These topics were selected based on key industry trends and audience feedback to ensure relevance and value. Throughout the year, we’ll also feature special guests, including subject matter experts and industry leaders, to provide even deeper insights into these topics.

 

Editorial Webinars

As a voice and resource for the coatings industry, PCI has committed to host editorial webinars on hot trends we see developing. Our first editorial webinar, "Essential Layers: The Role of Coatings and Adhesives in EV Battery Pack Performance," will take place June 10 in cooperation with our sister publication, Adhesives & Sealants Industry. The webinar will share insights into market demands and trends for EV battery packs; explore how adhesives and coatings influence battery performance; address key issues like recycling, thermal management, corrosion, safety, and process efficiency; discuss what top EV OEMs require for optimal battery performance; and discover how coatings and adhesives are evolving to meet industry challenges. Keep an eye out for promos for this webinar on our various platforms so that you can register to attend.

 

More Short Courses

The PCI Academy has been running virtual and in-person short courses for several years, and as we continue to evolve, we are working with our instructors to enhance our learning opportunities. In 2025, we have the following Zoom courses scheduled:

  • Introduction to Paints and Coatings
  • How to Formulate New Products
  • Formulating for Architectural Coatings
  • Part One: Advanced Powder Coatings Formulation
  • Pigment Dispersion
  • Waterborne Polymers and Film Formation
  • Formulating for Industrial Coatings
  • Part Two: Advanced Powder Coatings Formulation
  • Pigments in Paints & Coatings
  • Surfactants

 

And we will once-again be offering four in-person short courses at our Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit on September 3. These include:

  • Advanced Powder Coatings Formulation
  • Pigments in Paints & Coatings
  • Functional Fillers to Balance Gloss and Hiding Power in Latex Paint Formulations
  • Formulating for Industrial Coatings

Visit the PCI Academy page on our website to see available dates, learn more about each course and register.

 

New eBook

Every year, PCI’s Global Top 10 and PCI 25 rankings are our most-read articles, averaging nearly 2,000 page views each month on our website. We traditionally publish these rankings in our July issue, along with articles and interviews from some of the top coatings companies in the world. Beginning in 2025, we will replace our July issue with an eBook. Our “Voices from the Top” eBook will include the same sought-after content that we always publish in July, with additional sponsored articles from some of the industry’s most relevant suppliers. These sponsored articles will provide coatings formulators and manufacturers with more insight into the latest technologies available to them.

 

Bi-Monthly Coatings Minute Video

PCI’s media content specialist, Jade Bell, will be producing two monthly Coatings Minute videos that highlight popular technical articles, industry news, contests, event information, and more. Recent videos highlighted 2025 color trends featuring bold choices and versatile palettes, major M&A moves reshaping the paint and coatings industry, and advancements in antimicrobial coatings that improve durability and safety. Look for her videos on our website and on PCI’s LinkedIn page to keep up with content you may have missed.

The way that people consume information is always changing — and PCI will continue to enhance our offerings to help you stay on top of what’s happening in the coatings industry. We always want to hear from our readers about other ways you would like to stay connected. Whether it’s exploring cutting-edge technologies, discussing emerging trends, or sharing innovative ideas, your input is invaluable. Reach out to us to share your thoughts and help shape PCI’s future offerings!