U.S. Paint Additives Markets

Abstract

New Coating Formulations Generate Greater Performance Requirements

The development of newer paint formulations such as water-based, low solvent, high solids, and radiation-cure coatings is creating demand for additives that offer specific performance benefits. The challenge for participants in the U.S. paint additives market lies in developing additives that are compatible and effective with the innovative formulations. With the advancements in formulations, development of latest resin technologies and innovative additives, the additive suppliers find it hard to educate the paint manufacturers about the compatibility existing between the various paint additives and also with other components such as resins and pigments.

This Frost & Sullivan research service provides an overview of and outlook for the U.S. paint additives market, detailing revenue forecasts by additive types, as well as providing market share analyses. The study looks into the broad additives market segments -- surfactants, rheology modifiers, driers, foam control agents, and biocides. This invaluable information is essential for both large and small market participants seeking to position themselves for maximum return on investment.

Strict Environmental Norms Drive Additives Demand

"Increasingly strict environmental regulations enhance the demand for low or zero-volatile organic compound (VOC) coatings such as water-based, high solids, powder, and radiation-cure coatings, against conventional solvent-based coatings," notes the analyst of this research. "Efficient additives bring down the disadvantages such as low surface performance, increased dry time, and higher costs that are associated with the replacement of solvent-based coatings."

The highly in-demand water-based paints generally require twice as much additives as used in solvent-based paints, to give similar performance or processing benefits. Paint manufactures also insist on other property-modifying additives along with defoamers and biocides to compensate for the low solvent content in paints and improve the surface performance.

Technical Support Key to Success in the Paint Additives Market

"Increasing technical expertise and strengthening technical sales force is the key to success in this industry," notes the analyst. "Paint formulators can depend on the technical support from the additive supplier in identifying the best additive package for use in a particular coating system for a particular application."

This technical support is likely to enable the additive manufacturers to market their high value - high price products and also create a close relationship with customers. Companies are also fast responding to the growing demand for multi-tasking additives that offer the conventional benefits -- improved storage life, ease of application, better curing properties, resistance to weather, and ageing -- at the optimum level.