PPG, IPG Photonics, Whirlpool Corporation Win 2026 IRI Excellence Award in Open Innovation

PPG announced that it was named winner of the 2026 Excellence Award in Open Innovation by the Innovation Research Interchange (IRI), a division of the National Association of Manufacturers. The award recognized a first-to-market advancement in laser curing through a collaboration between PPG, IPG Photonics, a global leader in laser manufacturing solutions, and Whirlpool Corporation, a leading home appliance manufacturer.

The companies were recognized for their project to develop and validate a laser curing platform that can replace the energy-intensive thermal ovens in industrial powder coating operations. By leveraging IPG’s laser technology, PPG’s powder coating expertise and Whirlpool Corporation’s manufacturing proficiency, the project enables curing that is far faster than standard thermal or conventional IR systems, cutting energy use while boosting line speed and overall production efficiency.

“This honor reflects our commitment to faster, more efficient powder finishing processes that cut heat waste, support innovative product design and lower carbon footprints,” said David Bem, PPG senior vice president, science and technology, and chief technology officer. “It also highlights PPG’s collaborative approach with customers and our focus on delivering value beyond coatings.”

Laser curing relies on precision targeted near-infrared (NIR) energy to trigger the crosslinking reaction that converts powder into a tough, durable finish. The approach works with both conventional powder formulations and those engineered specifically for laser activation.

As part of the project, PPG installed a state of the art pilot finishing line featuring IPG’s PhotoniCURE™ laser curing system at its Strongsville, Ohio, facility, along with a laboratory system at the PPG Coatings Innovation Center near Pittsburgh to support ongoing research and feasibility studies for customer applications using PPG’s powder coating solutions.

The annual IRI Innovation Excellence Awards honor individuals and organizations that drive innovation, advance sustainability and build collaborative approaches to solve complex industry challenges.

Sustainability is core to PPG’s purpose and a key enabler of the company’s growth strategy. That commitment is reflected in investments in radiation-curable technologies and in powder coatings formulated with recycled PET (rPET) and without PFAS, and designed to cure at lower temperatures.