Color and care restore a community hub in Italy

With a splash of color and a spark of community, more than 100 PPG employees, family members and local volunteers recently joined forces in Borgomanero, Italy, to restore the Circolo di Santa Croce, a social and youth center for more than 2,000 residents.

This transformation is one of 10 flagship projects marking the 10-year celebration of the COLORFUL COMMUNITIES^® program.

Fresh colors and transformation sparked emotions at the project, according to Elisa Lucia Zanetta, Councilor for Public Works, City of Borgomanero.

“The Colorful Communities project was so emotional, with so many people coming together to take care of the public space, creating new social and community value through color and returning a regenerated place to the community. I sincerely thank PPG for believing in and investing in our area,” said Zanetta.

With 580 gallons (2,200 liters) of SIGMA COATINGS™ products by PPG, volunteers worked side by side to refresh the facility and create a safe, welcoming space for the community.

A key part of the transformation is the upgrade of the building’s north wall with PPG SigmaIsol® EPS, an advanced External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS). This solution uses Expanded Sintered Polystyrene (EPS) panels to dramatically improve the building’s energy performance by reducing heat loss, lowering energy consumption, and cutting CO₂ emissions. Beyond efficiency, ETICS also enhances comfort by eliminating thermal bridges and maintaining stable indoor temperatures throughout the year—delivering healthier living conditions and long-term economic benefits.

For the exterior finish, volunteers applied Sigma Coatings Façade Top-Coat Self-Clean paint, which incorporates patented NPS™ nanotechnology to create a self-cleaning surface that resists dirt, smog, and algae.

Adding a creative dimension, three vibrant street art murals were painted in collaboration with the Graphic Days collective, symbolizing environmental harmony and responsibility. Together, the installation of ETICS and the artistic renewal show how technical innovation and creativity can combine to make spaces both more sustainable and inspiring.

“As a company, we believe color is a powerful tool for creating change. The Colorful Communities program is an opportunity for us to give back in a meaningful way, combining professional skills, time and creativity,” said Silla Giusti, PPG general manager, Italy and Iberia Architectural Coatings. “We are proud to collaborate with the Municipality of Borgomanero on a project that restores social, aesthetic and community value to a space that plays a central role in local life.”

Learn more about the Colorful Communities program as we celebrate a decade of transformations.