Why Waterborne Coatings Are "Industrial and Market Cold"

The development of waterborne wood coatings in China has been a challenging journey over the past decade. Despite growing awareness and efforts to promote eco-friendly solutions, the path toward industrialization remains long and complex. Recently, the China Coatings Industry Association organized its first seminar on waterborne wood coatings in Guangzhou, aiming to accelerate research, application, and adoption of these environmentally friendly products across the country. While the industry association shows strong enthusiasm for promoting waterborne coatings, many domestic paint companies remain hesitant, observing from the sidelines rather than taking active steps. This situation has been humorously described as "industry fever but a cold market." Although waterborne wood coatings offer significant benefits for resource efficiency and environmental protection, their adoption is still slow. The ease of application and lower pollution levels have gradually won over some major decoration companies, which are now investing in training painters and setting up specialized teams to handle waterborne coatings. As consumer demand for safer and greener products continues to rise, waterborne coatings are slowly gaining traction in the market. However, despite the potential, the sector has struggled to gain momentum. Early adopters like DuPont in 1995 and Shandong Yalimei in 1996 failed to create a lasting impact. Even companies that claimed to solve quality and cost issues—such as Shenzhen Qibao Chemical in 2003 or Shenzhou Chemical in 2005—found it difficult to sustain market interest. Major players like Da Bao, Universal, Aipu Shi, and Zhongnan Building Materials also entered the space, but none managed to achieve mass production or widespread acceptance. One key issue is the lack of supportive policies and regulations. Unlike the U.S. and EU, which have strict restrictions on solvent-based paints, China has not yet mandated the use of waterborne coatings for wood furniture. Even the 2005 "Technical Requirements for Water-Resistant Coatings for Environmentally-Friendly Marking Products" set standards far below those in developed countries. Technically, waterborne coatings face several challenges. They dry too slowly, struggle to meet hardness and fullness requirements, and often leave high VOC residues. Additionally, the cost of raw materials—mainly imported synthetic resins—makes them significantly more expensive than traditional solvent-based coatings. With R&D and marketing costs also high, the price is more than double that of conventional paints. Moreover, the lack of coordination between coating manufacturers, furniture factories, and research institutes hinders progress. High prices for waterborne primers and putty further limit adoption. Many companies prefer to follow rather than lead, avoiding the risks associated with innovation. This cautious approach stifles growth and prevents the creation of a true market climate for waterborne coatings. But there is hope. As global oil prices rise, solvent-based paints become more costly, creating an opening for waterborne alternatives. Companies like DuPont and ICI have already introduced second-generation waterborne products in China, signaling a shift in the industry. To move forward, the industry must focus on three key areas: policy support, market education, and technological advancement. Clear regulations and environmental standards can help phase out outdated products. Public awareness campaigns can reshape consumer habits and drive demand for eco-friendly options. Meanwhile, improving product performance, reducing costs, and enhancing construction equipment will be crucial for scaling up production. Upstream suppliers and downstream construction firms must also collaborate closely to ensure the entire supply chain supports the growth of waterborne wood coatings. With the right strategies in place, the future of waterborne wood coatings in China looks promising.

Water-soluble Fertilizers Containing Secondary Element

Water-soluble Fertilizers Containing Secondary Element,Amino Acid Liquid Fertilizer,Ploly-pepdide Ca and Mg,Medium Element Fertilizer

Yantai Hongyuan Bio-fertilizer Co.,Ltd. , https://www.hongyuanlinong.com