Innovation

Learn about our OUTSIDE THE CAN™ suite of products

At PPG, innovation happens both inside the can –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ through advanced chemistry in our coatings and refinish products –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and outside the can, through digital tools, streamlined application processes, and productivity-enhancing delivery systems. Our Outside the Can suite of products includes our Automotive Refinish PPG LINQ™, PPG MOONWALK® and PPG MIX’N’SHAKE™ automated solutions, Automotive Coatings PPG OPTIMA SOLUTIONS™ and the electrostatic application of advanced Protective and Marine Coatings such as PPG SIGMAGLIDE® 2390 and PPG NEXEON™ 810 to name a few. We're redefining how coatings are developed, applied and experienced.

We’re integrating AI, machine learning and automation into our manufacturing and R&D processes –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ delivering smarter, faster, and more sustainable solutions. Our digital customer experience tools create always-on, frictionless workflows that improve customer productivity and drive operational efficiency.

Leadership in Innovation

Beppe Casalini, a PPG employee within our Automotive Refinish Coatings business

PPG's global technical footprint

Our nearly 3,500 employees are innovating in 74 locations in 21 countries.

Our history of sustainable, game-changing customer solutions

1960-1990s

In 1963, we developed electrocoat (E-coat) technology, which later became the gold standard in automotive OEM paint shops around the world.
In 1967, we introduced PPG DURANAR® coil coatings to China.
In 1986, we created the industry’s first waterborne refinish system.
In 1998, NUPAL^® non-chromic universal pretreatment for aluminum entered the market.

Aerospace transparencies on a plane window

2000s

In 2000, the PPG ENVIRO-PRIME^® global lead-free electrocoat launched.
In 2006, we introduced PPG B1:B2™ process, revolutionizing the traditional automotive paint process.
In 2007, we launched the aerospace industry’s first electrochromic passenger windows.
In 2009, we introduced PPG DURANAR^®powder coatings.

2010s

In 2014, Bisphenol A Non-Intent (BPA-NI) needs met with PPG INNOVEL HPS® coatings for beverage cans.
In 2018-2019, we introduced paints and coatings that enable and enhance the future of autonomous, electric and shared vehicles.
In 2018, we launched low-temperature cure (LTC) decorative painting cycle for automotive.
In 2019, we launched the revolutionary PPG MOONWALK® automated refinish tint mixing system.

Paint buckets of Guittet Odyssée and Seigneurie Pantex

2020s

In 2020, we introduced Passive Fire Protection coatings for electric vehicles (EVs).
In 2021, we launched virus-killing PPG COPPER ARMOR™ and COMEX® VINIMEX® paints by PPG – proven to kill bacteria and viruses on the painted surface.
In 2022, PPG ENVIRO-PRIME^® EPIC 300 expanded bake-window electrocoat was brought to market. It provides substrate-level protection for heavy frame vehicles (EVs, trucks), delivering energy savings and productivity gains.
In 2023, we introduced SEIGNEURIE™ Pantex and GUITTET™ Odyssée paints by PPG, providing mass market access to low-carbon, bio-based paints.

Leading developer of advantaged coatings technology

With more U.S. coatings patents than our closest competitors, PPG continues to lead the coatings industry in transformative, high-impact innovation. On average, in the past five years (2020-2024), PPG was granted 71 U.S. coatings patents, which is 39-545% more than our three closest competitors. In total, in the last 10 years, PPG was granted 736 U.S. coatings patents, which is 63-369% more than our competitors.

Innovation

Leadership in Innovation

Beppe Casalini: Future of mixing paint is smart and magical

PPG PLUG & SPRAY system for plastering has labor, waste savings in the box

Terry Warta: Achieving the previously unachievable with paint films

Barbara Flocchini: Piloting the skies of aerospace transparencies

Ariana Psomas: Setting sail into a low-carbon shipping era

1960-1990s

2000s

2010s