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25 Years of A.I.V.R.: Romanian coatings association marks milestone in Bucharest
Romania’s coatings industry marked a key milestone this autumn as the national association A.I.V.R. celebrated its 25th anniversary in Bucharest. The event highlighted the evolution of the domestic market, now valued at around EUR 478 million, and Romania’s steady role within the European coatings community.
The Romanian Coatings Association (A.I.V.R.) has celebrated its 25th anniversary in Bucharest. Around 40 representatives from the Romanian paints and coatings industry attended the event, alongside Christel Davidson, Managing Director of CEPE.
In her remarks, Davidson highlighted Romania’s growing importance within the European Union. As the seventh‑largest country in the EU by population, Romania wields an increasingly influential voice in shaping decisions in Brussels. Therefore, she said, it is crucial to maintain a strong national association such as A.I.V.R., capable of promoting and protecting the interests of the coatings sector both nationally and at the European level.
Further strengthening Romania’s position within the European coatings community, Irina Mandoiu, CEO of Policolor – Orgachim, was elected to the CEPE Board at the organisation’s General Assembly in early October – marking the first‑ever Romanian representative on the Board.
A.I.V.R. currently unites 17 members, including 13 coatings producers and 4 suppliers, representing roughly 75 % of national paint and coating output.
Market overview: Romania’s paints and coatings sector
According to the report “Paints, Coatings & Decorative Plasters Market – Romania, March 2025”, prepared by Interbiz Group on behalf of A.I.V.R., the Romanian paints and coatings market achieved a domestic consumption of 225,600 tonnes in 2024, equivalent to a total market value of around EUR 478 million.
These figures exclude complementary materials such as primers for decorative paints and plasters, removers, thinners, solvents, and putties.
The industry encompasses 118 producers and roughly 50 importers, employing approximately 3,700 people. Average per capita consumption stands at 12 kg, underscoring steady demand from both professional and DIY users.
By segment (volume, 2024), the Romanian coatings market is structured as follows:
- Decorative paints: 53 %
- Decorative plasters: 28 %
- Industrial coatings: 13 %
- Automotive and other coatings: 7 %
This distribution confirms the dominance of the decorative segment, which remains the main growth driver supported by buoyant construction and renovation trends. At the same time, continued investment in manufacturing and infrastructure is propelling the smaller but dynamic industrial and protective coatings categories.
Romania’s trade activity further illustrates its integration within the wider European supply chain. In 2024, the country imported 76,421 tonnes of paints and coatings and exported 9,639 tonnes. Exports thus amounted to roughly 13 % of imports, indicating that while Romania remains a net importer, the country also serves as a regional distribution and transformation hub for coatings producers targeting central and south‑eastern Europe.
The Romanian paints and coatings sector is dynamic and shows growth, supported by continued investment, competitive local manufacturing, and closer alignment with European industry standards. It remains an important part of the country’s chemical industry and contributes to Romania’s expanding role in the EU coatings landscape.
