This expanded collaboration, formalized at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), aims to establish a comprehensive low-carbon coating system, supporting China’s green transformation and dual carbon goals.
In a major development poised to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of China’s industrial and automotive sectors, global materials manufacturer Covestro and coatings powerhouse Nippon Paint have entered into a strategic partnership. The agreement, signed during the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), significantly strengthens the collaboration between the two industry leaders to co-develop efficient, sustainable, and high-performance coating solutions.
The partnership will focus on key applications across the automotive and industrial coatings landscape. In the automotive segment, the collaboration covers OEM coatings, components, and refinish paints. For the industrial sector, the focus includes coatings for coil steel, construction machinery, wind power, and photovoltaics. This extensive scope reflects a shared ambition to establish a comprehensive low-carbon coating ecosystem that spans from raw material development to finished product application.
Crucially, the joint efforts will prioritize several critical areas of sustainability:
• Low-carbon material development
• Technological innovation
• Energy efficiency improvements
• VOC emission reduction
By enhancing supply chain coordination and leveraging their combined expertise, the companies aim to drive high-quality and sustainable industry development in China.
This latest partnership builds upon a history of successful joint innovation. Notably, at the 2022 CIIE, the two companies unveiled a pioneering bio-based automotive coatings solution capable of achieving matte-finish gradient colors—a technological feat that satisfied the automotive industry's simultaneous demands for performance, distinctive design, and sustainability.
Bai Yi, Vice President of Nippon Paint China Purchasing Headquarters, underscored the strategic importance of the collaboration: “CIIE serves not only as a showcase for global innovations but also as an important platform for fostering supply chain collaboration and building sustainable ecosystems. We’re delighted to leverage CIIE’s momentum once again, continuing our partnership with Covestro to explore innovative breakthroughs in low-carbon materials and green coating technologies. Through this open platform, Nippon Paint will continue deepening local innovation, partnering to bring more valuable and sustainable coating solutions to the Chinese market.”
Anand Khot, Head of Coatings and Adhesives Asia Pacific at Covestro, highlighted the synergistic potential: “This strategic partnership will fully unlock the synergistic potential of both companies in technology development and resource integration. We look forward to working with Nippon Paint to advance cutting-edge technology development and implementation, drive green transformation across the industry through innovative material science and circular economy principles, and contribute our technological expertise to China’s dual carbon goals and industrial upgrading.”
