The powder coating industry is growing and attracting more and more attention thanks to the many associated benefits. However it's not as new as you might think.

Powder has developed and expanded within the coatings industry since the 1960's, into the innovative force we know today.

As environmental concerns have grown and resulting legislation has encouraged firms to find a greener coatings alternative; the ease of application, quality of finish, cost efficiency and constant innovation of powder technologies have developed at a rapid pace.

From the development of the first electrostatic guns in the 1960's, through the introduction of high quality thin film thermoset powder coatings in the 70's, powder has achieved a steady growth, which took off with its acceptance in the automotive, architectural and appliance markets. Trade coaters and large industrial firms alike found cost advantages, as well as a positive environmental impact, in making the switch.

The 1990's saw further development in Europe, with a burgeoning market share in Asia and Latin America ensuring powder technology was becoming a global industry. By the year 2000, Europe, Asia and North America emerged as the largest and most successful markets and whilst growth is slower than previous decades, it is still stronger than the industrial coatings industry as a whole.

Can powder keep going at this impressive rate? The increasingly stringent VOCs legislation, the development of fast growing regional markets and the impressive range of new applications suggest it can.