Coatings World - December 2009

fastest? Are new markets opening up?

Molenaar: New markets like wood substrates and plastics depend on technological advancements. Overall we are seeing many market segments grow due to a renewed interest in no solvents, low energy consumption and high transfer efficiencies.

tomers with global reach.

CW: What technologies are driving the market now and what can we expect down the road in terms of powder coatings technology? Will new

technology lead to expanding potential substrate opportunities?

Molenaar: Obviously wood and plastic substrates are providing fantastic opportunities. CW

CW: In addition to the bad economy, what are the other key trends and challenges manufacturers of powder coatings face now and in the years ahead?

Patented blending/dispersing blade design makes radical improvement over old saw tooth designs

Molenaar: Clearly the coatings industry continues to face challenges and fantastic opportunities. These are not necessarily related to the cycles in the economy. The attractiveness of our industry is one of those. We need to be able to attract excellent employees to our industry and we need to support the industry with education and training. We must continue to drive innovation in the industry and clearly commit ourselves to reducing our eco footprint. Challenges and opportunities that are important for the coatings industry in the long term are not necessarily related to the economic recession.

CW: What are the emerging markets and segments for AkzoNobel’s powder coatings business? How would you characterize China’s powder coatings market? Last time I checked it was the largest in the world and given the growth of the automobile industry there, probably will be for a long time.

Molenaar: China has the opportunity to be the largest industrial coatings market in the world. Our long presence in the powder business in China (over 20 years) has clearly given us some advantages. One of those is to continue to support our international customer base. Also, our recent expansion in Eastern Europe, Russia and the Middle East provides a great benefit to our cus-