I doubt anyone in the industry does not know about this new event. The Conference organizers selected 72 technical papers for presentation from over 170 submissions, which prompted the extension of the conference for another half day. Twelve focused topical sessions will be held over the Conference days. Nanotechnology is an obvious area of interest, as are innovative raw materials, coatings development and cost-effective solutions to problems.

This issue of PCI – our first ACS issue – complements the timely and varied nature of the presentations being made at the Conference. Included is the keynote address from the 2008 Waterborne Symposium, which discusses the Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program and explains why manufacturers of biobased products have a unique opportunity to connect with the nation’s largest marketplace – and to generate increased revenue to build their businesses while sustaining the environment and helping the farm economy. You will also find exciting and innovative nanotechnology news that is applicable for both coatings and adhesives.

Developing a REACH strategy is also important to many companies importing into the EU, and herein is an excellent review regarding REACH and preparation that is essential for doing business. Also included is a profile of a successful raw material supplier whose forward-looking management is to be commended.

High-performance waterborne alkyds with near-zero VOC levels; high-performance microgrinding for cost-effective solutions; solar reflective coatings; new SMA esters as waterborne pigment dispersants; silicon-based technology; new matting agents for waterborne coatings and varnishes; improved dirt-pickup resistance, which is critical to coatings; and optimization of coatings formulations by using a systematic approach to pigment selection are all topics that are highlighted in this issue of PCI. In addition, we discuss protective energy-saving coatings as well as the hidden dangers of static electricity in our research and manufacturing facilities. We also have a rather thought-provoking article on sustainability, which I hope will elicit some response.

As can be seen, PCI’s focus, too, is on high-performance, cost-effective, sustainable, new green-technologies, nanotechnology, energy savings, smart coatings and solutions to address the needs of our global industry today. We encourage readers to see our features that are presented only on our website, in addition to those that are in print and.

Congratulations to the organizers of the new American Coatings event. We wish success to all as we move forward in this industry with innovation and inspiration.