This theme of the 2024 American Coatings Conference is “Innovations in Coatings Technology: Shaping Our Future.” This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Roop, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Axalta Coating Systems, was an ideal person to bring the theme to life.
“As I think about the challenges in front of us, there are at least six things we need to address,” Dr. Roop said, mentioning VOCs, recycled and bio-based raw materials, energy use, product life extension, hazardous materials and material consumption.
Dr. Roop then discussed each of the areas, beginning with strategies for VOC reduction in coatings, noting that there has been a conversion to waterborne technology, increased percent solids, powder technology and radiation cure technology. As for energy use, he pointed to the removal of baking requirements for coatings, which drives reduction in CO2 emissions.
Reducing or eliminating materials of concern, such as PFAS and heavy metals, is another area where coatings companies are focusing. With that, companies are looking to use bio-based materials, and have had success with formulating powder coatings with bio-based components.
“I predict the next five years will accelerate these trends toward sustainability, with more waterborne technology, low temperature cure, less hazardous materials, increased recycled and bio-based content and higher transfer efficiency,” Dr. Roop concluded.