What will the coatings year 2021 look like?
Covid-19 was the dominant topic in 2020 for the coatings industry. But will it also dominate 2021? And what other challenges are to expect? We spoke with CEOs of major coatings manufacturers all over Europe.
At the beginning of the numerous lockdowns during spring in most European countries, the situation would have suggested a disastrous business year. Contrary to expectations, it was a good, in some cases even a very good year for many coatings companies. Especially producers of decorative and architectural coatings were able to benefit. In the industrial coatings and automotive coatings segments, the circumstances were more difficult and so it is not surprising that the results were less positive.
Difficult outlook
The pandemic has made reliable forecasts for the future development of business even more difficult than was already the case in recent years. Uncertainty continues to be a constant pattern for the industry. Despite all adversities, most paint and coatings manufacturers are cautiously optimistic about the future. Many companies have taken advantage of the crisis year to put processes to the test and explore new ways for strengthening their businesses and staying competitive.
What CEOs are saying about the biggest opportunities and challenges in 2021
Further information
This is a shortened version of the European Coatings annual survey. The complete article with more detailed statements of 22 CEOs of major coatings manufacturers is available in our online library.
