Contrary to many other industry segments, the furniture coatings market is still dominated by solventbased materials. But also here the success of waterborne products seems unstoppable. Health and safety regulations imposed by the European Union have led to strong research and development activities, aiming at zero or low VOC materials. One of the challenges as regards furniture coatings is to offer high gloss and waterbased solutions at the same time - combining aesthetics with environmental requirements.

Talking about sustainability - one of the key words penetrating the coatings industry - also renewable resources for the formulation of furniture coatings can be used. Mechanical and chemical resistance as well as UV and heat protection are further characteristics of furniture coatings that need to be taken into account. Additives such as light stabilisers and UV absorbers can improve the performance of the coatings significantly.

The European Coatings CONFERENCE "Furniture coatings" will provide attendees with an update on current trends for furniture coatings. Renowned international experts will present their findings in terms of raw materials, formulations and applications.

The conference addresses R&D managers of coatings raw materials producers, coatings formulators, and end users across Europe and beyond.

In the morning of the first conference day the additional pre-conference tutorial "Basics of furniture coatings" will introduce participants to the basic materials and concepts that are at work in modern furniture coating systems.

See you in Berlin!

Kirsten Wrede