The coatings additives team at Eastman Chemical Co. took Coatings World on a tour of its new paint spray facility for a behind-the-scenes up-close look at the type of high-tech innovation that is leading the company forward as a first-class supplier to the coatings industry.
While the automotive refinish market is level to slightly declining in the mature markets of North America and Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Asia-Pacific are experiencing healthy growth.
Rising raw material costs, an overall slowdown in economic activity in mature markets, tightening VOC regulations and consolidation are all key trends facing exterior architectural coatings manufacturers.