沙利文发布《全球及中国特种涂料行业市场概览》

In the development process of the global and Chinese specialty coatings industry, it has witnessed the evolution from traditional coatings to high-performance specialty coatings. With the progress of industry and technology, specialty coatings have begun to emerge in high-end application fields. For example, the coatings industry has also undergone a transformation similar to that of the pharmaceutical industry, with innovations in materials science and chemical processes. With the introduction of new technologies, the specialty coatings industry is developing towards greater efficiency, environmental protection, and intelligence.

Frost & Sullivan (Frost & Sullivan, abbreviated as "Frost & Sullivan") keeps a close eye on emerging technologies in the specialty coatings industry and publishes the Global and China Specialty Coatings Industry Market Overview. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest developments in specialty coatings in terms of technological development, market trends, and business potential. The report emphasizes the role of new technologies in driving industry transformation, indicating that specialty coatings will play a greater role in various industrial applications. Frost & Sullivan looks forward to the development of these technologies bringing new growth points to the industry and providing consumers with better product choices.

This article delves into the technology of special coatings and its role in industry development, focusing on how these technologies are changing the existing design, manufacturing, and application processes.

Special coatings: High-performance coating solutions that meet diverse needs

Definition and Classification of Special Coatings

Special coatings are a type of liquid or solid material applied to the surface of objects. Under specific conditions, they can form solid coatings with protective, decorative, or other special properties (such as insulation, thermal insulation, anti-corrosion, mildew resistance, etc.). Traditionally, coatings were commonly referred to as paints, but most modern coatings use synthetic resins instead of traditional vegetable oil raw materials.

Coatings are mainly divided into two categories: architectural coatings and industrial coatings. Architectural coatings are used in the construction field and serve both decorative and practical purposes. Architectural coatings can be further subdivided into wall coatings, floor coatings, and coatings with specific functions. Wall coatings are used for the decoration and protection of indoor and outdoor walls, while exterior wall coatings require stronger weather resistance, UV resistance, stain resistance, and waterproof properties. In addition, functional specialty coatings such as thermal insulation coatings, anti-stain coatings, and acoustic coatings provide additional performance to enhance the functionality and sustainability of buildings.

Industrial coatings are mainly used in industrial environments, focusing on protecting materials and providing special functions such as anti-corrosion and non-stick properties. Industrial coatings include general protective coatings as well as specialty coatings applied to fields such as automobiles, wood, railways, light industry, and ships.

Coating classification

Source: Frost & Sullivan research

Coatings have a wide range of applications in China, mainly divided into two major sectors: construction and industry. Special coatings hold an important position in both fields. The industrial sector is the main application area for coatings, accounting for 54% of the Chinese coating market, driven by the rapid development of industries such as automobiles, military industry, shipbuilding, and rail transit. Construction coatings are mainly driven by the demand for new housing construction and old house renovation, as well as urbanization construction and energy-saving renovations of old houses, which has continuously expanded the construction coating market.

Proportion of application in China's coating sub-sectors, 2022

Source: Expert interviews, Frost & Sullivan research

Special coatings are a category of coatings with high performance requirements. Based on their properties and application needs, they can be divided into various types, such as anti-corrosion coatings, fireproof coatings, antibacterial coatings, high-temperature resistant coatings, conductive coatings, and optical coatings. These special coatings can provide specific functions and protection to meet the diverse needs of different industries and environments.

Special coatings can also be classified according to application fields, including automotive coatings, metal coatings, wood coatings, architectural coatings, aerospace coatings, marine coatings, food-grade coatings, and medical coatings. Each field has specific functional requirements, and special coatings provide solutions for these needs.

In addition, special coatings can also be classified according to their components, including solvent-based coatings, water-based coatings, and powder coatings. Solvent-based coatings have good coating performance but contain volatile organic compounds, which pollute the environment. Water-based coatings have a smaller environmental impact but require a longer drying time for the film to dry. Powder coatings are solvent-free coatings with excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance, suitable for the painting of metal products.

Classification of Special Coatings

Source: Frost & Sullivan research

Definition and Classification of Non-stick Coatings

Non-stick coatings are a type of coating with anti-adhesion and easy cleaning properties, which can be divided into different types, including fluorinated non-stick coatings, ceramic coatings, and silicone resin coatings. Fluorinated non-stick coatings are made from fluoropolymers and possess excellent non-stickiness and chemical resistance, and are widely used in food and other fields. Ceramic coatings are prepared from nano-inorganic compounds and have characteristics such as wear resistance, high temperature resistance, and chemical stability. Silicone resin coatings use silicone resin as the main film-forming substance and have the characteristics of aging resistance and long service life.

Home appliances and cookware are the main application areas for non-stick coatings due to their non-stick properties, wear resistance, high-temperature resistance, and other characteristics. The performance features of non-stick coatings include appearance, integrity, adhesion, scratch resistance, thermal shock stability, alkalinity resistance, acidity resistance, and saltwater corrosion resistance. These determine the effectiveness and service life of non-stick home appliances and cookware.

In addition, non-stick coatings also have a wide range of applications in the industrial field, suitable for industries such as automotive, semiconductors, power and energy. The low friction coefficient and high-temperature resistance of non-stick coatings help improve the durability of industrial components, extend their service life, and function in extreme environments to enhance efficiency. The application of non-stick coatings in the industrial field also helps reduce lubrication needs and improve environmental performance.

The application of non-stick coatings in the industrial field

Source: Frost & Sullivan research

Global and China's special coatings and non-stick coatings market growth trends and future outlook

Global and China's Special Coatings Market Size and Forecast

With the development of global industry and manufacturing, the demand for special properties such as non-stickiness, corrosion resistance, fire resistance, etc., has increased, keeping the growth rate of the global specialty coating market at a relatively fast level. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic overseas in 2020, factories and manufacturing enterprises faced challenges such as production shutdowns and declining demand, leading to a reduction in the demand for specialty coatings. The global specialty coating market size decreased from 731.781 billion yuan in 2019 to 667.67 billion yuan in 2020.

In 2022, China was hit hard by the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social economy, with the market size of special coatings in China decreasing from 162.866 billion yuan to 114.733 billion yuan. However, with the progress of epidemic control, it is expected that China's industry and manufacturing sectors will gradually regain vitality, and the demand for the special coatings market is also expected to gradually recover. The market size of special coatings in China is expected to increase to 457.338 billion yuan, with an annual compound growth rate of 18.31%; the global market size of special coatings is expected to reach 1408.726 billion yuan, with an annual compound growth rate of 7.77%.

Global and China Specialty Coatings Market Size, 2018 - 2027E

Source: Expert interviews, annual reports of listed companies, Frost & Sullivan research

Global and China Non-stick Coating Industry Market Size and Forecast

The development of the global non-stick coating market shows certain differences in different regions. Developed economies and industrialized mature areas such as North America and Europe have high demand for non-stick coatings and already possess relatively mature market and supply chain systems. Emerging markets such as Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, due to their rapidly growing industrialization levels and consumer demand, are developing the non-stick coating market at a faster pace.

From 2018 to 2022, the global non-stick coating market size increased from 26 billion yuan to 345 billion yuan, with an annual compound growth rate of 3.37% during this period; in the same period, as an emerging market, China's non-stick coating market size increased from 3 billion yuan to 38 billion yuan, with an annual compound growth rate of 16.96%, far higher than the global growth rate.

In the future, more and more application fields such as food processing, medical devices, aerospace, and other industries will increasingly use non-stick coatings with excellent anti-adhesion properties, convenient usage, and maintenance. It is estimated that by 2027, the global non-stick coating market size will increase to 46 billion yuan, with an annual compound growth rate of 1.35%; the non-stick coating market size in China is expected to reach 4.9 billion yuan, with an annual compound growth rate of 9.24%.

Global and China Non-stick Coating Market Size, 2018-2027E

Source: Expert interviews, WHO, Frost & Sullivan research

Global Special Coatings and Non-stick Coatings Industry: Industrial Chain, Driving Forces, and Competitive Landscape Analysis

Analysis of the Industrial Chain in the Special Coating Industry

Special coatings are made from synthetic resins and plastics as the base material, with the addition of other chemical raw materials and reagents. They are produced through processes such as mixing, high-speed dispersion, grinding, and filtration to create coatings with special properties. The formed coatings can endow objects with various special functions.

The upstream raw materials for special coatings mainly include chemical raw materials, synthetic resins and plastics, colorants, aromatic hydrocarbons, dispersant solvents, chemical additives, and other raw materials. The supply and demand relationship of upstream raw materials and price fluctuations will have an important impact on the industry's production and operation. The midstream of special coatings is where the main participants in the market are located. The downstream application industries of special coatings mainly include chemicals, building materials, transportation, electricity, and household appliances. Currently, the types of downstream customers in the special coatings industry are constantly expanding. Special coating companies need to continuously improve production efficiency and profitability through technological innovation, continuous process optimization, and production scale-up.

Special coatings industry industrial chain

Source: Frost & Sullivan research

Analysis of the Competitive Landscape of the Global Non-stick Coating Industry

The global non-stick coating market is highly fragmented, with major markets dominated by large foreign coating companies such as PPG Industries, Daikin Corporation of Japan, and Corom Paints of the United States. Currently, the Chinese non-stick coating market is led by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings, and to overcome the poor wear resistance of PTFE, large coating manufacturers add resins that bond better with metal surfaces. For example, polyimide (PAI) and polyether sulfone (PES) resins are used as binders to provide good adhesion to metal surfaces. As consumers' requirements for product quality and environmental friendliness continue to rise, the importance of ceramic coatings and silicone coatings will continue to grow in the non-stick coating market.

According to statistics based on the sales volume of major global non-stick coating companies, Pengfulong, a leading domestic non-stick coating enterprise, accounts for 10% of the market share, second only to the established international coatings giants PPG and Daikin Japan. Pengfulong has a rich product line of non-stick coatings, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) non-stick coatings, ceramic coatings, and silicone resin coatings. These coatings excel in terms of anti-sticking properties, durability, and high-temperature resistance. The company's product quality and performance are highly recognized, earning it a high reputation in the market.

Global non-stick coating industry competition landscape, 2022

Note: The competitive landscape is based on the sales volume of non-stick coatings.

Source: Corporate annual reports, expert interviews, Frost & Sullivan research

Analysis of Driving Forces for China's Special Coating Industry

(1) The development of the specialty coating industry is driven by diverse needs across different industries and application fields

The demand for special coatings varies by industry due to their specific properties, which has promoted the continuous development and innovation of the special coating industry. For example, the construction industry's demand for coatings with excellent weather resistance and waterproofing performance is gradually increasing to meet the requirements of various climate conditions and external environments of buildings. The automotive industry needs coatings with anti-corrosion and scratch-resistant properties to protect the exterior surfaces of cars from daily use and external environmental damage. The aerospace industry also has an increasing demand for special coatings with strong high-temperature resistance and high corrosion resistance to meet the durability requirements of aircraft in extreme environmental conditions. These specific demands of different industries and application fields for special coatings have driven the development and innovation of products for different application areas in the special coating industry, aiming to meet the needs of each industry and provide higher-performance, more reliable, and more durable coating solutions.

(2) National policies encourage support, and industry-related standards are continuously being improved

With the steady development of China's specialty coating industry, the state and governments at all levels have successively introduced various policies to encourage and support the high-quality and sustainable development of the specialty coating industry. The implementation of multiple policies such as the '14th Five-Year Plan for China's Coating Industry', 'Industrial Structure Adjustment Guidance Catalog (2019 Edition)', 'Development Plan for the Petroleum and Chemical Industry (2016-2020)' has brought strong development momentum to the specialty coating industry, promoting its transformation and upgrading, and contributing to high-quality and sustainable development of the industry.

China's coating standard system has basically been able to meet the production and application needs of various domestic coatings. From 2000 to 2020, the coating industry established a leading international standard system for limits of harmful substances, consisting of 7 mandatory standards for harmful substances, 1 recommended national standard for low VOCs, 1 evaluation standard for green coatings, and 34 test method standards for harmful substances. Environmental protection and international standardization are inevitable development trends for special coatings in the future.

Positive policies related to the specialty coatings industry

Source: Public information compilation, Frost & Sullivan research

Comprehensive Analysis of Barriers to Entry and Future Development Trends in China's Special Coating Industry

Analysis of Barriers to Entry into China's Special Coating Industry

(1) Brand barrier

In the specialty coatings industry, some well-known brands and enterprises have established a good brand image and customer trust. These companies have built their brand reputation through continuous product innovation, high-quality service, and good customer relationships. In market competition, brand awareness and credibility become one of the important factors for consumers to choose specialty coatings. New entrants in the specialty coatings industry need to gradually establish their brand image by providing high-quality products, establishing good customer relationships, and implementing effective market promotion strategies.

(2) Supply chain barriers

The supply chain of the specialty coating industry includes links such as raw material supply, production processing, and product distribution. Existing enterprises usually have rich experience and stable cooperative relationships in supply chain management. They have established long-term cooperative relationships with raw material suppliers to ensure the quality of raw materials and the stability of supply. At the same time, they have also formed partnerships with production processors and product distributors to create a complete supply chain network. New entrants into the specialty coating industry need to invest time and resources to establish their own supply chain network and establish stable cooperative relationships with relevant partners.

(3) Barriers to the quality control system

The quality requirements for special coatings are high, placing significant demands on strict control during the production process and product consistency. Existing enterprises have accumulated rich experience and a systematic management system in quality management and control, ensuring stable product quality and performance that meets standards. Secondly, the quality control of special coatings requires precise testing and inspection methods. Existing enterprises have invested a substantial amount of resources in research and development and purchasing advanced experimental equipment and testing instruments to ensure that product quality meets standard requirements. New entrants need to invest significant capital and technical strength to establish their own laboratories and testing capabilities to ensure product quality reliability and accuracy. New entrants in the special coatings market need to invest considerable effort and resources to establish a complete quality management system, and through continuous improvement and optimization, enhance product quality to meet market demands.

Analysis of the Future Development Trend of China's Special Coating Industry

(1) In the future, environmentally friendly coatings will dominate

Under the guidance of policies and industry norms, and against the backdrop of the 'carbon neutrality' grand strategy, developing environmentally friendly coatings is an inevitable trend. In the future, the proportion of environmentally friendly coatings will continue to increase, becoming the dominant products in the coating market. The '14th Five-Year Development Plan' for China's coating industry released by the China Coatings Industry Association points out that the coating industry will align with the country's overall development strategy, achieving sustainable growth, actively promoting industrial upgrading, optimizing the structure of coating products, adhering to ecological green development, improving the utilization rate of renewable resources, enhancing the resource utilization level of waste by-products, and reducing carbon emissions. The water-basedization of solvent-based coatings and the powderization of water-based coatings will become key research and development directions for enterprises within the industry in the future.

Currently, the research direction of non-stick coatings focuses on enhancing their environmental performance. In terms of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) non-stick coatings, water-based PTFE coatings have been widely used. In the future, based on coating water-basedization, further reduction in solvent use and VOC emissions can be achieved through molecular structure design and physical modification. Solvent removal and VOC reduction are beneficial for reducing the infiltration of chemicals into the natural environment. In the field of heat-resistant silicone resin coatings, solvent-based coatings currently dominate, and water-based technology has not yet been applied to large-scale industrial production. In the future, water-based and solvent-free technologies will become key to improving product performance.

(2) Diversified development of special coating applications

The application of special coatings is gradually showing a diversified trend, benefiting from the demand for special properties and functions of special coatings in different industries and fields. New application demands have emerged for special coatings. The aerospace industry has a demand for high-temperature resistant and corrosion-resistant coatings, the electronics industry has a demand for conductive coatings and anti-static coatings, the medical device industry has a demand for antibacterial coatings and biocompatible coatings, etc. The rapid development of emerging industries also provides new opportunities for the application of special coatings. Special coating enterprises need to continuously innovate and update their products to meet diverse needs and seize the development opportunities brought about by application diversification. The diversification of special coating applications will bring broader market prospects and development space to the industry.

Overview of Global Major Non-stick Coatings Manufacturers and Industry Positioning Analysis

1) Pengfu Long: A leading enterprise in China's non-stick coatings