From niche products to everyday standard in a short space of time: Acrylic and polyester-based paints and coatings are currently experiencing the greatest growth in Europe. Acrylics dominate in water-based dispersions, polyesters in powder coatings – as low-emission and more environmentally friendly alternatives to solvent-based paints, both benefit from the trend towards sustainability and from EU regulations. However, the latest, seventh edition of the Ceresana market study “Paints and Coatings – Europe” shows that not only plastics such as epoxy or polyurethane (PUR) are on the rise: Increasingly, bio-based coatings are also being used, which can be easily combined with bio-based insulation materials, bio-based adhesives, and other construction materials made from renewable raw materials. In total, Europeans consume around 9.1 million tonnes of paints and coatings per year.
Repairs for Vehicles and Infrastructure
The construction sector is the largest paints application area in Europe. Almost two thirds of all paints and coatings are purchased by the construction industry: Facade paints and interior wall paints for residential construction, but also architectural paints for commercial construction and infrastructure projects. High interest rates, rising construction costs, and weak demand for new residential construction are casting a shadow over the future market development. However, due to a high need for renovation, stricter energy efficiency requirements, extensive government subsidies for energy-efficient renovations, and the expansion of infrastructure, Ceresana’s market researchers expect demand for paints and coatings in the construction sector to increase by around 2.0% per year until 2034. In contrast, only below-average growth is forecast for industrial goods, the second largest area of application: A weak economy in the EU, customs conflicts, and uncertainties in global supply chains are slowing demand for industrial paint. At least there is momentum from investments in renewable energies and infrastructure projects. The stable refinish sector in the transportation industry ensures an optimistic outlook for automotive paint: The growing vehicle fleet and higher consumer expectations are increasing the demand for refinishing.
Industry Analyses for Coatings
The current edition of Ceresana’s market study presents all information and forecasts on production, demand, import, and export as well as revenues for the years 2022 to 2034 in clearly arranged tables. The market report examines the demand per product type: from products based on acrylics, vinyl, alkyd, epoxy, polyurethane (PUR), and polyester to products based on other base materials. In addition to market data and forecasts, the study also contains background information on the regulatory framework in the EU as well as the general economic situation and the situation in the construction industry (including important companies, construction activities, investments, planned construction projects) in the individual countries. Not included in this study are other coating materials such as mortar, plaster, diluter, printing ink, textile dyes, and food coloring.
Current Edition of the European Paints and Coatings Market Study:
Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive analysis of the European paints and coatings industry – including forecasts up to 2034: The development of production and demand (both in tonnes) and revenues (in dollars and euros) is clearly illustrated. The application areas of paints and coatings are considered individually: Construction, Industry (coil coating, others), Transportation (OEM, refinish, marine coatings), Wood processing, other applications. The application area “construction” is additionally subdivided into the various construction segments: New construction, Renovation, Residential construction, Non-residential construction. The demand for paints and coatings is also analyzed for the various product types: Vinyl, Acrylics, Alkyd, Epoxy, Polyurethane (PUR), Polyester, other polymers, other products. Lastly, the study also breaks down the market data for the various technologies: Water-based paints and coatings, Solvent-based paints and coatings, Powder coatings, other technologies.
Chapter 2 examines 23 European sales markets for coating materials individually: most EU countries as well as Norway, Russia, Switzerland, Türkiye, and the UK. The following are shown in each case: Production, demand, revenues, and trade. The demand is shown for 5 application areas, 8 product types, and 4 technologies in this chapter as well. Revenues are also broken down by application area. In addition, the “construction” application area is also divided into 4 construction segments at country level.
Chapter 3 provides company profiles of the largest European paints and coatings manufacturers, clearly arranged according to contact details, revenues, net income, product range, production sites, and short overview of the company. Detailed profiles of 70 coatings and paints manufacturers are provided, such as of AkzoNobel N.V., ALTANA AG, BASF Coatings GmbH, Dyo Boya Fabrikalari Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş., Hempel AS, PPG Industries Europe Sàrl, and Sherwin-Williams Sweden AB.
Further information on the market study Paints and Coatings – Europe Report” (7th edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/paints-and-coatings-market-report-europe

About Ceresana
As one of the world’s leading market research institutes, Ceresana specializes in the chemicals, plastics, packaging, and industrial goods sectors. More than 250 market studies provide more than 10,000 customers around the world with the knowledge base for their sustainable success. New Ceresana market studies on windows and doors, insulating materials, and adhesives, for example, are particularly relevant for the construction industry. A key area of focus is the bio-economy: Ceresana supports the dynamically growing circular economy with market analyses and forecasts on bio-based products and biodegradable materials. With the digital event series “Future of Bio”, Ceresana is creating a platform for experts and specialists to exchange knowledge, utilize synergies, and jointly drive the future of the bio-economy forward.
Learn more about Ceresana at www.ceresana.com
Let’s meet! The successful Ceresana event series on the future of the bioeconomy continues. The next online events are „Future of BioAdhesives“ (February 24 and 25, 2026), „Future of BioCoatings“ (March 18 and 19, 2026), and „Future of BioInvestments“ (April 22 and 23, 2026): https://ceresana.com/events
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