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Growth Predicted for Powder Coatings

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

U.S. demand for powder coatings is projected to expand by 3.5 percent annually through 2013, reaching a market value of $1.2 billion and significantly outpacing the gains of the last five years. Powder coatings will also continue to achieve gains above the overall paint and coatings market average, taking share from competing products.

However, advances in powder coatings market value will continue to be restrained by downward pricing pressure, as overcapacity persists and the manufacture of durable goods shifts to developing regions, particularly Asia.

These and other trends are presented in Powder Coatings, a new study from The Freedonia Group Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

Epoxy, epoxy/polyester hybrid, polyurethane, polyester, acrylic, silicone and other thermoset powder coatings represent the vast majority of the overall powder coatings market, accounting for 91 percent of demand in 2008. Epoxy is the single largest product type in this segment, favored for its excellent corrosion and chemical resistance in interior applications.

Polyvinyl chloride, nylon, fluoropolymer, polyolefin, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer and other thermoplastic powder coatings account for the rest of the demand.

Polyvinyl chloride is the largest product type in this segment, benefiting from its position as the lowest-cost powder coating on the market. Nylon powder coatings exhibit excellent resistance to chemicals, solvents, scratches and corrosion.

Powder coatings are primarily used in durable goods markets such as motor vehicles, appliances and housewares, furniture, industrial machinery, and lawn and garden equipment.

The motor vehicle market will provide the strongest gains through 2013 based largely on an expected rebound in motor vehicle output following the significant declines of the 2003-2008 period. Product developments that allow for greater use of powder coatings in exterior applications will also offer opportunities for growth.