Bitumen emulsion based waterproofer that provides a quick, easy, and effective solution to sealing up walls, floors, and ponds.
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SAPMA AGM: SAPMA’s message for the year
News: BASF Colours for 2026
News: Using AI in formulation
Feature: An overview of the industry in 2025
Feature: The Industrial Chemicals Sector Agreement
Feature: Challenges facing the coatings industry
Why change is inevitable
It’s been a turbulent year for the world in general, with macroeconomic factors including wars in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine continuing to take a toll on supply chains.
US President Trump’s erratic tariffs have created market uncertainty, while local regulations have proved challenging. Surprisingly, the rand has held up reasonably well, and with the country’s removal from the greylist, economists remain cautiously optimistic about South Africa’s outlook.
What does it mean for the SA coatings industry? In essence, the industry is in a period of transformation. Those companies that can balance innovation with sustainability, while adapting to economic and regulatory realities, are well-positioned to thrive. By embracing smarter technologies,
greener formulations, and efficiencydriven processes, the industry is not only overcoming present challenges but also shaping a more competitive and sustainable future.
Wishing all our readers and advertisers well over the holidays.
SAPMA 2025 highlights: A year of growth, progress and industry collaboration
The South African Paint Manufacturers Association (SAPMA) is proud to reflect on a highly successful and productive 2025 a year marked by significant progress in training, professional development, regulatory engagement, and industry events that continue to strengthen the coatings sector.
Here are the four key items that marked the year for us:
1. A successful SAPMA Golf Day
This year’s SAPMA Golf Day was a resounding success, bringing together members, partners, and industry stakeholders for a day of networking and collaboration in a relaxed and engaging environment. The event not only strengthened relationships across the sector but also reinforced SAPMA’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration within the coatings community.
2. Growth of the SAPMA Professional Body
The SAPMA Professional Body continues to go from strength to strength. By the end of 2025, six professional designations have been formally recognised, with over 200 industry professionals already awarded designations under the SAPMA framework.
This marks a major milestone in SAPMA’s mission to formalise professional standards, promote continuous learning and enhance recognition for expertise within the coatings sector.
3. Continued success in training and skills development
SAPMA’s training programmes have once again delivered impressive results. In 2025, the first semester saw 29 students enrolled, followed by 28 students in the second semester reflecting the growing demand for quality technical education in the coatings industry.
A particular highlight for 2025 is the achievement of two students from Semester 2 who will earn the full International Certificate at Level 5 (Advanced) through SAPMA’s partnership with the British Coatings
A fun day was had by all at the SAPMA Golf Day
Federation (BCF). This milestone underscores SAPMA’s commitment to aligning local training with international standards and empowering professionals with globally recognised qualifications.
4. Regulatory progress and industry collaboration
SAPMA has continued to play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of the Lead in Paint Regulation, working closely with LEEP (Lead Elimination Project) and the Department of Health (DOH). Together, these partners have focused on the successful rollout of the regulation, ensuring members are wellinformed, compliant, and prepared for the upcoming implementation deadlines.
Throughout the year, SAPMA has consistently reminded members of key compliance dates, the requirements for labelling and formulation, and the broader impact these regulations will have on the sector.
This ongoing engagement has been
vital in ensuring industry alignment and responsible transition towards a leadfree future.
LOOKING AHEAD
As SAPMA moves into 2026, the Association remains dedicated to advancing professional excellence, compliance, and collaboration across the coatings value chain. With a strong foundation built in 2025 from expanding
the professional body to strengthening partnerships with government and global institutions SAPMA continues to drive progress and uphold the standards that define the South African coatings industry. In 2026, SAPMA in partnership with DMG events will also be hosting the Coatings for Africa event which will take place from the 24-26 June 2026. This promises to be bigger and better than the 2024 show. c
The SAPMA team at the AGM
Automative colour trends for 2025-2026
Driving the Proxy, BASF’s forecast for 2025 to 2026, is a forward-looking exploration of how inspiration, creativity and influence shape design decisions in the automotive world.
Each year, BASF’s global team of colour designers’ studies emerging trends across technology, fashion, culture and sustainability. The result is a visionary colour forecast that helps automotive manufacturers anticipate consumer preferences and design vehicles that feel both timely and timeless.
DESIGNING THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY
The 'Driving the Proxy' collection reflects a design landscape defined by dualities — digital versus tactile, innovation versus calm, individuality versus collectivity. Sustainability remains central to BASF’s creative and technical direction, with several colours incorporating renewable or recycled raw materials, while new pigment technologies deliver multidimensional finishes that balance sophistication with subtlety.
The 2025–2026 palette leans into refined faux solids, smooth surfaces, and understated sparkle effects. A warmer emotional tone also comes through, with a shift toward reddish hues, mauves, and nuanced browns – colours that speak to connection, resilience, and authenticity in uncertain times.
“Colour has always been an emotional connector,” says Mark Gutjahr, global head of Automotive Colour Design at BASF Coatings.
“This year’s collection explores how design can ‘fill the voids’ left by social and environmental disruption. The result is a colour language that feels human, inclusive, and forward-looking.”
REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: THREE KEY COLOURS, THREE PERSPECTIVES
While the collection includes 45 new colours, BASF’s design teams have identified three regional signature shades that capture cultural and technological shifts unique to EMEA, Asia Pacific and the Americas.
TESSERACT BLUE – EMEA: A DIMENSIONAL SHIFT
A vivid blue with green and violet highlights, TESSERACT BLUE draws inspiration from geometric abstraction and dynamic perspective. Its advanced interference pigments create a sense of movement and visual depth, a metaphor for Europe’s evolving social and environmental realities.
“We’re living through overlapping dynamics such as climate change and social fragmentation, that are reshaping norms,” Gutjahr explains.
“Tesseract Blue offers a sense of harmony and balance.
PHYGITAL MAGNETAR – ASIA PACIFIC: INNOVATION MEETS CALM
In the Asia Pacific region, Phygital Magnetar represents the still surface of accelerated progress. This warm, fluid metallic with bright white highlights embodies the balance between the region’s relentless innovation and its growing desire for clarity and serenity.
Created with advanced two-coat technology, it delivers a smooth, liquidmetal finish.
“We were inspired by conversations around ‘innovation fatigue’,” says Chiharu Matsuhara, head of Automotive Color Design for Asia Pacific at BASF Coatings. “This colour reflects the need for quiet, thoughtful innovation, where progress is seamless, not overwhelming.”
AUXETIC NEUTRAL – AMERICAS: REDEFINING NEUTRALITY
For the Americas, Auxetic Neutral turns neutrality into a bold design statement. This rich, culturally inspired brown combines clean sparkle and depth, reflecting influences from both fashion and industrial design.
“Today, design is less about individual authorship and more about collective expression,” says Gutjahr. “Auxetic Neutral embodies openness and inclusivity, a colour that adapts to its context while remaining distinct and memorable.” c
A decade of dedication, growth, and invaluable contributions. Synthetic Polymers celebrates its 10th anniversary with pride not just for the years passed, but for the collaborative journey that brought us here. From pioneering solvent-based resins for the coatings industry to fostering lasting partnerships, this milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to quality, consistency, and loyalty to customers delivering high performance solutions without compromise. We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers for their continued support, trust, and partnership, which have been instrumental in our success. For 10 years, we’ve combined technical expertise with service excellence, earning trust across the industry. As we reflect on our achievements, we’re also looking ahead to the next decade, which will bring even bolder advancements, driven by our passion for cutting-edge polymer solutions and sustained commitment to the coatings sector.
Did You Know?
• Over 100+ solvent coatings formulations developed since 2015
• 100% locally manufactured in South Africa
• Proudly level 4 BBBEE
Plascon colour forecast 2026: HAND, made.: Make your own world
At the heart of painting is the hand. From choosing shades and testing swatches to bringing colour to life on a wall, the process is deeply tactile and human.
Paint is not abstract or artificial, it is tangible, textured and deeply human. It is the hand that makes it real: authentic, unique and a mark of craft.
Plascon’s Colour Forecast 2026, themed HAND, made, celebrates that creativity and individuality.
It is a collection that really values imperfection.
The colours do not just cover surfaces, they respond to daily life, and Plascon looked to the natural world and modern life for inspiration.
From horizons and waters to city streets and wild gardens, Plascon curated four distinct colour ‘worlds’ that express mood, movement, and
meaning. Each world is both grounded and imaginative, pairing earthy tones with daring brights, and subtle neutrals with expressive accents. From swatch to space — the process becomes a story told by the human hand and the transformative power of colour.
BUTTER + SKY
AIRY, CLEAN, AND JOYFUL
A world of lightness and optimism, Butter + Sky is inspired by expansive horizons and the comfort of yellow blooms and sunlit walls. Together these shades capture both serenity and uplift, grounding while lifting gazes upward.
From Saphire (B7-A1-1) and Athena’s Dream (B4-A2-1) to Blazing Sun
(Y4-A1-4) and Julia (Y3-A2-2), the colours capture the calm of daylight and the softness of air. Signal Red G7), Chocolate Chunk (O2-D1-1) and Cave Painting (O2-C1-1) add depth and vibrancy, grounding the palette while keeping it joyful and uplifting.
Perfect for living rooms, studios, and bedrooms, this range pairs beautifully with light woods, soft textiles, and natural fi nishes, ideal for spaces that invite calm reflection and open energy.
LEAD-FREE road marking
Our DELTALINE LF ED hybrid pigments are designed for paint manufacturers who do not have grinding equipment. This line of easily dispersible pigments requires only a Cowles dispenser for integration in the vehicle to reach a fineness suitable for most paints. These pigments are ideal for traffic paint manufacturers of both water based and solvent based systems.
We also offer a wide range of lead-free alternatives for decorative, automotive, industrial, and other applications. Our portfolio includes everything from costeffective organic grades to high-performance hybrid pigment solutions, delivering both value and exceptional quality.
Please contact your sales representative for more information.
PY
PY 34
LAND + SEA
COOL, CALMING AND NATURAL
Deeply rooted in the textures of earth and water, Land + Sea captures the tactile beauty of the outdoors. The palette draws from bark, moss, algae, lichen, and seaweed alongside muted blues and oranges. It is the palette of natural materials, weathered textures, and biophilic influences. The colours invite us to reconnect with the environment.
African Mud (O2-E1-1) and Olive (G2-E1-2) set a grounded base, while Frog Pond (Y6-D1-1) and Bashful Blue (B3-C1-4) add cool balance.
Evening Stroll (G6-C2-1) and Day Lily Dream (O2-A1-1) bring quiet warmth, with Sparkling Lemon Lime (Y6-A1-1) adding a fresh, biophilic accent. This palette reflects the desire for sustainability and mindfulness in design, complementing organic materials like stone, linen, clay, and timber. Ideal for homeowners seeking to reconnect with nature indoors.
FASHION + CANDY
VIVID, DARING AND POP-CULTURE INFUSED
Vibrant and unapologetically bold, Fashion + Candy channels the pulse of city life — street style, nightlife, and the thrill of escapism. These colours celebrate contrast and individuality, evoking neon evenings, glossy lips, and playful architecture and fashion contrasts.
Ruby Tuesday (R5-B2-2) and Hot-N-Spicy (R6-B1-1) bring energy
and glamour, while Bellagio Blue (B6-B2-1) and Eclaire (R7-D1-1) cool things down with sophistication. Lemon Essence (Y5-A1-2) and White Maas (Y2-A2-2) lift the palette with freshness, while Ginger Biscuit (O1-C1-1) adds a nostalgic warmth.
Perfect for feature walls, retail interiors, or youthful spaces, this palette taps into the rise of dopamine decor, colour as a form of joy and self-expression, a visual playground for those wanting to inspire bold choices.
ORCHARD + BLOOMS ORGANIC, VIBRANT AND FULL OF VITALITY
Inspired by fruit markets and garden centres, Orchard + Blooms celebrates abundance, texture, and growth. The palette combines peach and orange petals, olive-green foliage,
C002-11.pdf 1 2024/02/13 09:40
and the richness of ripened produce, creating a lively yet harmonious feel. It is the most organic of the four worlds — tactile, multi-sensory, and rooted in cycles of growth and renewal.
The palette works beautifully in kitchens, garden rooms and communal areas, spaces that celebrate togetherness and sensory richness.
It’s tactile, multi-sensory and rooted in renewal. c
Hudson (26) and Chocolate Delight (R6-E1-1) bring a sense of depth, while Spanish Brocade (O2-B1-3) and Wanda (Y4-C1-1) add a sunkissed glow. Just Terracotta (R7-C1-1) and Swazi (R2-C1-1) deliver earthy warmth, complemented by Good Day Sunshine (O6-A1-1) for an energetic, uplifting finish.
How AI can benefit ink and coatings formulations
AI and machine learning (ML) have revolutionised how coatings and ink formulations are developed, optimising processes that once took months or years into mere hours.
AI'S ROLE IN FORMULATION OPTIMISATION
The formulation process, especially for sustainable inks and coatings, is time-consuming. Traditional methods involve testing numerous ingredients one by one to achieve optimal results.
For instance:
Ink formulation: Viscosity and rheology determine ink flow for ballpoint pens, affecting performance and uniformity of coverage. AI reduces the need for hundreds of tests to just a handful. Coatings stability: Spray coatings must remain stable to avoid issues like nozzle clogging while ensuring uniform coverage and colour intensity.
AI accelerates these formulations by determining the best combinations of bio-degradable polymers, emulsifiers and pigments.
According to experts, formulators can input ingredients, and AI recommends top five potential formulations, reducing development time drastically.
KEEPING UP WITH COMPLIANCE AND IP
AI also addresses regulatory changes and intellectual property (IP) monitoring:
Regulatory compliance: AI identifies acceptable ingredient substitutes to meet new regulations, saving hours of research.
Patent searches: AI helps companies innovate by analysing existing patents and suggesting new, competitive formulations.
AI IN SUSTAINABLE AND ECOFRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Creating sustainable products like bio-degradable paints and inks involves navigating a wide range of ingredient choices:
From petroleum-based to biobased materials: Transitioning to plant-based components can be overwhelming due to the multitude of supplier options.
Performance expectations: For major brands, delivering high-performance eco-friendly products is critical.
AI provides formulators with precise recommendations, helping them meet consumer expectations while leveraging the latest in eco-friendly innovations.
ADDRESSING CONCERNS OVER AI ADOPTION
Despite its advantages, hesitation remains around AI adoption. Many fear job losses or decision-taking capabilities of AI.
AI needs to be seen as a productivityenhancing tool, requiring human guidance and creating opportunities for innovation rather than replacing human expertise. Businesses must evolve their mindset and culture to harness AI effectively, because educating teams about AI's potential can overcome barriers and enable better adoption.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AI IN FORMULATION
The integration of AI in coatings and ink formulation offers incredible opportunities for innovation.
From regulatory compliance updates to faster product development pipelines, the time saved allows companies to focus on creating unique, high-quality products.
As an adaptable tool, AI empowers businesses to accelerate innovation and meet market demands efficiently. c
“AI needs to be seen as a productivity-enhancing tool”
Photo credit: Getty Images / Andrey Suslov
SUNCRYL 101 EMULSION POLYMER
S a n c r y l C h e m i c a l s i n t r o d u c e s S u n c r y l 1 0 1 , a h i g h l y e f f e c t i v e s p e c i a l t y
p o l y m e r d e s i g n e d w i t h t h e l a t e s t t e c h n o l o g y i n s u r f a c t a n t s t a b i l i z e d
s y s t e m s t h a t c o n t r i b u t e t o e x c e l l e n t f i l m f o r m a t i o n , i m p a r t i n g h i g h
s c r u b s r e s i s t a n c e , i n m e d i u m t o h i g h P V C p a i n t s .
T h i s f o r m a l d e h y d e - f r e e b i n d e r o f f e r s m a n u f a c t u r e r s t h e a b i l i t y t o
f o r m u l a t e c o s t e f f e c t i v e c o a t i n g s w h i l s t m a i n t a i n i n g a g o o d b a l a n c e b e t w e e n c o s t a n d q u a l i t y .
P a i n t P e r f o r m a n c e
I m p r o v e d b i n d i n g p o w e r
E x c e l l e n t a d h e s i o n
E n h a n c e d h i d i n g p o w e r
S u p e r i o r s c r u b r e s i s t a n c e
E x c e l l e n t b l o c k i n g
I m p r o v e d a l k a l i r e s i s t a n c e
L o w t e m p e r a t u r e d u r a b i l i t y
P o l y m e r P r o p e r t i e s
L o w o d o r f o r m u l a t i o n
F o r m a l d e h y d e f r e e
c h e m i s t r y
E a s e o f a p p l i c a t i o n
E x t r e m e l y s h e a r s t a b l e
E x c e l l e n t w a t e r
r e s i s t a n c e
O p t i m i z e d B i n d i n g P o w e r
S u n c r y l 1 0 1 p r o v i d e s e x c e p t i o n a l a d h e s i o n & c o h e s i o n , l o c k i n g i n
p i g m e n t s & f i l l e r s t o m a i n t a i n p a i n t f i l m i n t e g r i t y a t h i g h P V C l e v e l s ,
p r e v e n t i n g c r a c k i n g & f l a k i n g .
D u r a b l e Wa t e r R e s i s t a n c e
C o n t r i b u t e s t o t h e p a i n t ' s o v e r a l l d u r a b i l i t y b y o f f e r i n g s t r o n g w a t e r
r e s i s t a n c e , p r o t e c t i n g s u r f a c e s f r o m m o i s t u r e d a m a g e a n d e x t e n d i n g
t h e c o a t i n g ' s l i f e s p a n .
S u p e r i o r H i d i n g & C o v e r a g e
S u p p o r t s h i g h p i g m e n t l o a d i n g f o r i m p r o v e d h i d i n g p o w e r a n d
u n i f o r m c o v e r a g e , r e d u c i n g t h e n e e d f o r m u l t i p l e c o a t s a n d
o p t i m i z i n g m a t e r i a l u s a g e .
E n h a n c e d S c r u b R e s i s t a n c e
F o r m u l a t i o n s w i t h S u n c r y l 1 0 1 d e l i v e r o u t s t a n d i n g s c r u b r e s i s t a n c e ,
e n s u r i n g p a i n t e d s u r f a c e s c a n w i t h s t a n d r i g o r o u s c l e a n i n g w i t h o u t
c o m p r o m i s i n g t h e i r a e s t h e t i c o r p r o t e c t i v e p r o p e r t i e s .
The year in review: What 2025 meant for the coatings industry
Despite a variety of hurdles, local industry players continue to show resilience.
The South African coatings industry has weathered a turbulent 2024–2025 period marked by economic volatility, operational headwinds and regulatory pressures. Yet, despite these challenges, the sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resistance, underpinned by a growing focus on sustainability, innovation and efficiency
lead in paint and stricter volatile organic compound (VOC) emission standards have significantly increased compliance requirements, especially for smaller producers. However, these changes are also pushing the industry toward cleaner, more responsible production standards, aligning South Africa with global environmental norms.
By the end of 2025, the South Africa Paints and Coatings Market size is estimated at US$747.41m, and is expected to reach $868.56m by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.05% during the forecast period (2025-2030), according to research from Mordor Intelligence.
The economic environment has been a defining factor. Inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations have driven up the cost of imported raw materials such as titanium dioxide, while subdued consumer spending has placed further strain on margins. Operational disruptions have compounded these challenges. Persistent logistics bottlenecks at ports, a shortage of skilled labour and widespread infrastructure inefficiencies, particularly in rail and port systems, have hampered supply chain performance.
In addition to these hurdles, manufacturers have had to adjust to tightening environmental regulations. The enforcement of a 90ppm limit on
Sustainability has become one of the strongest drivers of market evolution. Consumers and regulators alike are accelerating the shift toward ecofriendly, low-VOC, and water-based products. Major manufacturers such as Plascon and Dulux are leading the charge with innovative formulations that balance performance with environmental responsibility.
Technological advancement continues to reshape the industry. The rise of advanced coatings with self-cleaning, anti-microbial and heat-reflective properties is opening new market niches, particularly in sectors seeking energy efficiency and surface longevity.
The automotive coatings segment, though affected by broader manufacturing slowdowns, remains a bright spot. While overall vehicle production declined slightly, the automotive refinish market is growing steadily, with forecasts suggesting a compound annual growth rate of
around 6.7% from 2025 to 2030. This expansion is supported by South Africa’s sizable existing vehicle base and a rising preference for highperformance, durable finishes.
ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL FACTORS
• Several promising growth opportunities are emerging in South Africa. Investments in infrastructure and housing development are driving demand for architectural and protective coatings. Government-led projects in the energy, water, and transport sectors, alongside private construction activity, are creating consistent demand for durable, high-performance coatings.
• South Africa’s galvanised steel industry and the zinc rich paint suppliers are poised to play an important role in public infrastructure, with more than R1tn being allocated to this by South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in his 2025 budget. The spending focuses on three sectors, R402bn for transport and logistics, R219.2bn for energy infrastructure, and R156.3bn for water and sanitation. Infrastructure and construction relies heavily on steel.
Photo credit: Getty Images / masterSergeant
ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL FACTORS
• The tariff environment intensified considerably in 2025, with the US implementing a raft of on-again off-again tariffs. The 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports from multiple countries was particularly destructive as well as the additional tariffs on Chinese imports, including essential raw materials.
• Importers of raw materials into South Africa had to navigate a complex and volatile geopolitical landscape, with significant implications for cost, supply consistency and long-term strategy. Global tensions – including conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East – disrupted established trade patterns, while economic nationalism and energy market volatility continue to shape the pricing and availability of key commodities.
• One of the most pressing challenges facing South African importers has been the volatility in oil prices. The ongoing geopolitical instability in oil-producing regions such as the Middle East, coupled with supply restrictions from OPEC+ countries, has led to elevated and unpredictable fuel costs. Since oil is a critical input in both production and transport, these price swings cascade through the supply chain.
REGULATORY CHANGES
• The South African Paint Manufacturers Association (SAPMA) unveiled its Implementation Guideline: Lead in Paint Compliance (2025), a comprehensive framework crafted to ensure the paint and coatings industry fully aligns with the Regulations Relating to Lead in Paint or Coating Materials (2024), that came into effect on 17 May 2025. These regulations represent a transformative step toward eliminating lead from paints and coatings, safeguarding public health and environmental integrity.
• South Africa’s workplaces are on the cusp of change. In 2025, the Department of Employment and Labour began driving amendments to the to the Labour Relations Act (LRA), a law that shapes how workers and employers interact. These proposals, born from heated discussions at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) starting in April 2022, include 47 amendments aimed at modernising the labour market. But not everyone agrees on the path forward. The government has a vision for balancing worker protections with economic growth, while businesses and unions are voicing strong opinions. We will have to see how this plays out in 2026.
COMPANY NEWS
In March, Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited through its wholly owned subsidiary Sudarshan Europe B.V., completed its acquisition of Germany-based Heubach Group ('Heubach') in a combination of an asset and share deal.
This strategic acquisition creates a global pigment leader, bringing together SCIL’s operations and expertise with Heubach's technological capabilities.
It enhances SCIL’s product portfolio, giving it access to a diversified asset footprint across 19 international sites. The combined company will have a broad pigment portfolio of high-quality products and a strong presence in major markets including Europe and the Americas.
NEW PRODUCTS
AkzoNobel launched Sikkens Autowave Optima, a waterborne basecoat designed to transform the vehicle repair industry by dramatically enhancing productivity and sustainability in bodyshops.
The product enables up to 50% faster application times compared to traditional methods while simultaneously cutting energy costs and carbon emissions by up to 60%.
Key to its efficiency is the ability to achieve coverage with just 1.5 layers of paint, delivering an average material savings of 15%.
Photo credit: Getty Images / hamzaturkkol
Photo credit: Getty Images / Zerbor
CONTINUED
MAJOR EVENTS OF THE YEAR
• Excelsior Paints celebrated an incredible 88 years of dedication, colour and innovation in June 2025. To celebrate, the 88th customer received a massive 88% discount on their order, while retailers who spent R8 000 or more got an 8% discount on that purchase. In addition, 88 random paint cans across the country carried a surprise sticker, entitling the retailer to a gift or discount.
• The European Coatings Show took place from 25 to 27 March, at which 25 681 industry experts learned about the latest trends and developments in the sector from 1 216 exhibitors from 46 countries. The World Paint and Coatings Week also took place for the first time, and it proved to be a resounding success. Held the day before the trade fair, the European Coatings
together 660 delegates for 144 presentations.
• The prestigious Plascon Supplier Awards 2025 took place at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, in Johannesburg honouring the suppliers whose
commitment and collaboration have played a key role in Plascon’s success. Winners included SA Steelpack Solutions; Synthetic Polymers and NCS Resins; as well as Eisotex, Pailpac and NCS Resins. c
Photo credit: Getty Images / masterSergeant
SLOW AND STEADY...
We are proud to be associated with leading paint manufacturers & have a key focus on EXPORT markets in Africa. We boast a team of highly skilled polymer chemists in the laboratory as well as on the plant to ensure quality control and superior standards of resin. Adding to the mix is our MAINTENANCE team of qualified engineers, fitters, welders & electricians. Our high-quality polymers are the key to vibrant decorative, industrial, automotive, and other coatings. Our state-of-the art laboratory boasts cutting-edge technology and a team of R&D chemists who endeavour to develop products for our customers.
The vision is to RE-DEFINE the COATINGS INDUSTRY with our QCCP (Quality, Consistency & Competitive Prices) THEORY.
Are you looking for lightning-fast delivery? Our 20-metric ton bulk delivery vehicle guarantees your order will arrive within 24-72 hours.
• Long, Medium & Short Oil Alkyds
• Urethane Alkyds & Oils
• Hydroxy Functional Acrylics
• Thermoplastic Acrylics
• Speciality Alkyds
• Short & Medium chain stopped Alkyds.
• Styrenated & Acrylated Alkyds
• Amino Resins (Urea & Melamine Formaldehyde)
• Thermoset Acrylics
• Saturated Polyesters
Experience the MAGIC with SYNTHETIC POLYMERS!
The state of the worldwide coatings industry
The coatings industry stands at the forefront of a technological renaissance, driven by the convergence of innovation, sustainability, and advanced materials science.
As manufacturers respond to growing demands for higher performance, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, coatings are evolving from passive protectors to active enablers of progress. Breakthroughs such as self-healing surfaces, nanostructured finishes, and AI-assisted formulation design are redefining what coatings can achieve. At the same time, the integration of renewable materials, energy-efficient curing systems, and predictive analytics is transforming coatings into intelligent systems that enhance both surface function and lifecycle performance. This evolution marks a new era, where coatings don’t just protect the world around us, but actively shape a smarter, more sustainable future.
Here are eight trends currently driving the worldwide coatings industry, as identified by American business consulting firm Frost & Sullivan:
Self-healing coatings mark a revolutionary leap in materials science. By autonomously repairing minor surface damage, they significantly extend product lifespans and reduce maintenance costs. From automotive exteriors to aerospace components and architectural structures, these coatings enhance resilience and efficiency, setting new standards in long-term performance.
2. Industry convergence: Coatings enter the electronics arena
Advanced coatings are increasingly vital to the electronics sector, protecting delicate components from moisture, corrosion and dust.
Their role in semiconductor manufacturing and consumer electronics underscores a major convergence between materials science and digital technology, ensuring reliability, reducing failure rates, and enabling next-generation innovation.
3. Transformative megatrends: Renewable energy applications expand
Coatings tailored for renewable energy systems, such as wind turbines, solar panels and battery storage units, are becoming central to global sustainability goals. These specialised coatings enhance resistance to UV radiation, corrosion and environmental wear, extending asset longevity and improving performance in harsh conditions.
4. Competitive intensity: Differentiation through innovation
With rising competition and price pressures, coatings manufacturers are shifting focus from volume to value. Success now lies in differentiated offerings, emphasising innovation, eco-performance and technical excellence. Strategic investment in R&D, proprietary technologies, and sustainable formulations is critical to maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly maturing market.
5. Disruptive technologies: AIpowered predictive analytics Artificial intelligence is transforming lifecycle management in coatings. By analysing performance data, AI tools can predict wear, forecast maintenance needs, and optimise reapplication schedules. This data-driven approach reduces downtime, minimises waste, and supports proactive asset management across sectors.
6. Disruptive technologies: Bio-based coatings for a sustainable future Bio-based coatings, derived from renewable raw materials, are redefining eco-conscious innovation. These products minimise environmental impact while meeting stringent performance standards, appealing to both regulators and customers seeking greener alternatives. For manufacturers, bio-based development also opens access to new sustainability-linked markets.
7. Transformative megatrends: Nanotechnology for energy efficiency
Nanotechnology is enabling coatings with remarkable thermal control and energy efficiency. Ultra-thin, nanostructured layers can regulate heat absorption, reduce energy use in buildings and vehicles, and deliver superior protective qualities. These smart coatings are a cornerstone of the global transition to cleaner, more efficient infrastructure.
8. Disruptive technologies: Augmented Reality (AR) in maintenance and repair
Augmented reality is reshaping how coating applications and repairs are executed. By overlaying digital guidance in real time, AR allows technicians to visualise procedures, reduce human error, and enhance precision. The result is faster service, reduced rework, and improved overall quality control.
THE ROAD AHEAD
The intersection of innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation is propelling the coatings industry into a new era. Those who invest early in these strategic imperatives, from AI to nanotechnology, will define not only the next generation of coatings but also the industries they protect and enhance. c
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Preparing for the extension of the Industrial Chemicals Sector Agreement
By Dr Ivor Blumenthal
A new era of labour alignment is coming to the coatings sector — one that will demand preparation, compliance and foresight.
South Africa is entering a period of tightening labour compliance across sectors that historically operated with broad variations in wage practices, job grading systems and workplace policies. The chemical and surface coatings sector is next in line.
The Industrial Chemicals Sector Agreement within the National Bargaining Council for the Chemical Industry, NBCCI, has already been negotiated and adopted by majority trade unions and employer representatives.
The application for Ministerial extension in terms of Section 32 of the Labour Relations Act is not a hypothetical future possibility. It is a procedural step that will take place.
Once the Minister signs the extension, the Agreement will become binding on every employer and every employee operating within the defined scope, irrespective of whether they currently participate in the NBCCI or not.
That is the core reality that every surface coatings manufacturer, distributor, retailer and any related business must now process. When the extension is published, the industry will not be eased in automatically. Unless a company qualifies for and secures an exemption or a phased introduction under the small-business policy, the Agreement will apply immediately. Minimum wages exceeding R12 500 per month for the lowest grade will become binding. Annual wage adjustments averaging roughly 6.5% will apply.
Leave structures, overtime requirements, job grading and formal dispute resolution obligations will all take effect.
This is not a matter of ideology or preference. It is statutory labour architecture. South African labour law creates a centralised bargaining model where majority representatives negotiate, and the Minister enforces the outcome across a defined sector once the representativity thresholds are met. The constitutional and legislative framework has been tested in court and upheld. The State views centralised bargaining as a stability tool that prevents wage suppression, labour exploitation and uneven employment standards within the same industry. In a sector as technically regulated as
Photo credit: Getty Images / Thaweesak Thipphamon
chemicals and coatings, this alignment of labour standards with regulatory obligations is consistent with national labour and industrial policy direction.
WHO IS COVERED: SCOPE OF THE COATINGS AND SPECIALITY CHEMICALS SECTOR
The NBCCI Constitution provides wide coverage. Under speciality chemicals, the scope includes businesses involved in the manufacture, sale or distribution of industrial speciality chemicals, disinfectants, fungicides, herbicides, pesticides, waxes and dressings, boiler treatment chemicals, bonding agents, corrosion protection materials, laboratory chemicals, photographic and industrial chemical preparations and commodity chemicals.
Under surface coatings, it includes the preparation, manufacture, bottling, packing and retail sale of paints, varnishes, enamels, lacquers, fillers, putties, thinners, powder coatings, printing inks, synthetic resins and related products. It also covers delivery and distribution by the same employer to their depots, customers and end users. In simple terms, decorative coatings, industrial coatings, printing inks, powder coatings, protective coatings, resin producers, surface treatment chemical companies and allied manufacturers all fall under this scope.
There is no practical basis for any player in these activities to assume exclusion. The extension will therefore affect a wide range of businesses, from multinational chemical companies through to medium sized industrial paint manufacturers and smaller locally owned coatings operations.
• The practical impact of extension is significant
• It obliges employers to maintain documented employment records and policies, to participate in Council compliance processes, and to follow structured
procedures for discipline and dismissal
• For businesses currently operating without formal job grading systems or without structured annual wage cycles, the operational shift will require planning, budgeting and internal communication
• For businesses with informal or semi-formal labour arrangements, the transition will be particularly substantial and should be managed deliberately rather than reactively.
The extension will also bring certainty and predictability to those who adopt it early. Wage stability, formal industrial relations processes and standardised conditions can support workforce retention and productivity. Public procurement frameworks, export requirements, chemical regulatory systems and supply chain compliance pressures increasingly favour businesses that operate under standardised and transparent labour frameworks.
THE ROLE OF THE SURFACE COATINGS EMPLOYER ASSOCIATION
The Surface Coatings Employer Association has spent two years securing protective measures for industry participants. This includes the adoption of a comprehensive exemption policy, which allows employers to apply for temporary relief from all or part of the Agreement where financial circumstances justify it. It also includes a small business phased implementation policy, permitting qualifying smaller firms to implement the Agreement gradually over three years. These mechanisms exist because industry leadership acted in advance. They are not automatic. They require application, financial disclosure and demonstration of genuine intent to comply over time.
These negotiated protections matter. They acknowledge that the coatings sector contains a wide range of business models and that a uniform timing of compliance would create uneven pressure. They give businesses the opportunity to plan wage transitions, restructure job grades, value internal competencies and modernise
employment practices without destabilising operations.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR EMPLOYERS NOW
The most critical message is that waiting for the Ministerial extension notice is not a strategy. The period before gazetting is the time to prepare. Employers should benchmark existing wages against the Agreement, conduct internal job grading assessments, evaluate the wage gap between current levels and the Agreement, and model multi-year wage planning. They should review contracts, policies and internal procedures to ensure compatibility with NBCCI requirements. They should consider financial planning for exemption applications where necessary and begin documenting business rationale for phased implementation if applicable.
Employee engagement is equally important. Communicating early prevents anxiety, speculation and potential workplace instability. It ensures that workers understand that alignment is a regulatory requirement and not a discretionary adjustment. Involving employees constructively in planning helps support morale and productivity during the transition period.
CONSEQUENCES OF INACTION
Businesses that delay will face compressed timelines, unplanned payroll increases and administrative compliance pressure. Financial shock, strained labour relations, and possible legal enforcement are predictable outcomes where employers have not prepared. Industry history across other sectors shows that lack of preparation does not delay the law. It simply increases organisational stress at the point of enforcement.
For SAPMA members and other businesses in the coatings sector, this is not a distant prospect. The clock is running. The Agreement has been adopted. The application to the Minister will proceed. The only variable is the level of preparedness at organisational level. c
“This is not a matter of ideology or preference. It is statutory labour architecture.”
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