As one of the world's largest makers of protective coatings, PPG is at the forefront of the industry, engineering solutions that help our customers elevate the durability and aesthetics of their products and streamline their finishing operations. By staying closely attuned to the evolving needs of manufacturers, PPG sees one trend unmistakably shaping the future of industrial coatings: sustainability.
The push for environmentally responsible solutions is accelerating at a pace the industry has never seen. According to industry research, the global market for sustainably advantaged coatings is projected to grow from USD 12.89 billion in 2025 to USD 18.03 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period.
PPG is investing heavily in research and development (R&D) to create coatings that lower carbon footprints, reduce water and energy consumption, minimize waste and utilize renewable energy sources. The company’s expanding portfolio of sustainably advantaged coatings includes powder coatings, waterborne coatings and radiation-curable coatings, as well as formulations that are made without PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances) compounds.
1. Growth of Sustainable Powder Coatings
Because powder coatings are reclaimable and formulated without solvents that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), adoption of powder coatings is growing across industries, including automotive (particularly the Electric Vehicles market), appliances, aluminum extrusions for building products and general finishing.
PPG’s ENVIROLUXE™ powder coatings represent a breakthrough in sustainable powder technology. Designed for high performance and environmental responsibility, the expanding EnviroLuxe powder portfolio is ideal for applications including interior office furniture, lighting fixtures, signage, outdoor fencing, heavy-duty equipment and transportation.
Key features of EnviroLuxe powder coatings include:
- EnviroLuxe rPET: Contains up to 18% post-consumer recycled plastic (rPET) and is ideal for interior applications.
- EnviroLuxe PFAS NIA1: Formulated without intentionally added PFAS chemicals, suitable for both interior and exterior use.
- EnviroLuxe Plus: Combines recycled content and specially formulated without PFAS, with reductions ranging from approximately 5% to over 30% depending on the formulation and color.
EnviroLuxe coatings offer a wide color range, including metallic finishes, without compromising sustainability. They provide excellent adhesion, hardness, impact resistance, flexibility, abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance and humidity resistance—meeting rigorous industry standards.
2. Advancements in Formulation Specifically Developed Without PFAS
Coatings specifically formulated without PFAS:
Responding to increasing environmental regulations and consumer demand, PPG is developing coatings specifically formulated without PFAS. Notable innovations include PPG FUSION® PRO, a non-stick cookware coating without intentionally added PFAS, offering excellent performance and color.
The Rise of Radiation-Curable (Rad-Cure) Coatings:
Rad-cure coatings, including ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) curable coatings, provide solvent-free, 100% solid solutions with low to no VOC emissions and reduced flammability risks. These coatings cure almost instantly, reducing energy consumption compared to traditional thermal drying.
PPG is advancing its radiation curable technology portfolio, focusing on coil steel and aluminum coatings for industries such as building materials, appliances and HVAC. The latest innovation, PPG DURANEXT™, is the company’s first rad-cure solution for the coil coating industry, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional coil coatings. Learn more about DuraNext >
3. Waterborne Coatings Revolutionizing Industrial Finishing with Low VOC Emissions
Waterborne coatings have been gaining momentum in industrial finishing as manufacturers push for lower‑VOC solutions without sacrificing performance or durability. Advances in resin technology have made these coatings more durable and versatile, accelerating their adoption across sectors from automotive parts to heavy equipment.
PPG recently launched AQUACRON® Waterborne Shop Primers (WSP) for structural steel. This breakthrough technology is suitable for all climates and combines rapid curing with a smooth finish and low volatile organic compounds (VOCs less than 0.20 lbs./gal - 24 g/L), delivering a balance of properties unmatched in existing waterborne primers. PPG Aquacron WSP primers have VOC emissions similar to those found in standard residential-grade paints and are stable under varying temperature and humidity. These features help steel fabricators comply with stringent emissions regulations and streamline product specification and sourcing without sacrificing coating integrity.
PPG’s Commitment to Sustainability Goals
For over a decade, PPG has integrated sustainability into its core business strategy. The company has set ambitious sustainability targets, including achieving 50% of sales from sustainably advantaged products by 2030. PPG continues to invest in R&D, acquisitions, and production expansions to meet growing global demand for sustainable coatings.
Learn more about PPG's commitment to sustainability and 2030 targets >
1Non-intentionally added