Non-Liquid Coating Market

Market Overview

The global non-liquid coating market size was valued at USD 7.67 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 17.35 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The increase in non-liquid coating market share during the forecast period is related to the rise in consumerism drives demand for non-liquid coating 

The non-liquid coating is a form of powder coating used to coat end-use products to protect them from corrosion and other damage done by the surrounding environment. Powder coating is generally done at a temperature almost as high as 350°F. However, research projects are being undertaken to carry out low-temperature powder coating. The procedure for powder coating usually starts with cleaning and then proceeds with rinsing, phosphating, rinsing, part drying, powder coating, and curing. The curing part is energy intensive because the temperature required to convert the powder to liquid is high to get the powder flowing on the material.

These coatings are used in various end-use segments such as appliances, automotive, and architectural. Non-liquid coatings are used in architectural applications such as bathroom fixtures, metal gutters, highway signs, and structural steel. The global construction market is estimated to reach USD 8 trillion by the year 2030. This is attributed to factors such as heavy investments in infrastructure construction or in upgrading existing infrastructure in developed and developing economies. Additionally, global vehicle sales have significantly increased due to increasing disposable income.

Highlights

• By resin type, thermoset resin leads the market.
• Electrostatic spray dominates the market by a coating method.
• By End-user, Automotive holds a significant share of the market.

Market Dynamics

Global Non-Liquid Coating Market Drivers

Construction and Infrastructure Development

The significant global investments in infrastructure development and construction are expected to fuel expansion in the market for non-liquid coatings used in architectural applications. The focus on new building projects and infrastructure improvements in developed and developing countries is increasing the need for non-liquid coatings in architectural applications. These coatings are essential in satisfying the growing need for premium coatings in the construction sector by giving architectural buildings visually pleasing, long-lasting, and corrosion-resistant surfaces. The market for non-liquid coatings in architectural applications is expected to grow significantly due to the industry's transition to more high-performance and sustainable coating solutions and the current construction boom.

Growth of End-Use Industries

The growth of end-use industries such as automotive, appliances, and general industrial sectors is propelling the market for non-liquid coatings. The rise significantly influences the demand for non-liquid coatings in these industries in worldwide vehicle sales.  The demand for coatings that give cars protection, durability, and aesthetic appeal is rising in tandem with the growth of the automobile industry. The development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in cars, which necessitate specific coatings for upkeep and repair to satisfy OEM specifications, is another factor driving this trend.

Furthermore, the desire for improved appearance, corrosion resistance, and surface protection in various applications drives increased demand for coatings in the general industrial and appliance sectors. Expanding these end-use sectors highlights how crucial non-liquid coatings are to addressing the changing needs of contemporary consumer and manufacturing markets. The market's overall trajectory is strongly correlated with the growth and development of these vital industries, underscoring the critical role that non-liquid coatings play in fostering these industries' performance and expansion.

Global Non-Liquid Coating Market Restraints

High Cost of Production

For various reasons, the cost of producing non-liquid coatings—especially powder coatings—can be higher than that of liquid coatings. Production costs may be impacted by the higher cost of raw materials used in powder coatings, such as resins and pigments, compared to liquid coatings. Furthermore, compared to the ambient curing method frequently used for liquid coatings, the energy-intensive curing process needed for powder coatings—which entails baking the coated parts in an oven to obtain the desired finish—increases manufacturing costs. The initial investment and ongoing operating costs in production facilities are increased by the specialized equipment required for applying powder coatings, such as electrostatic spray equipment. Powder coatings provide advantages over liquid coatings, including lower volatile organic compound concentration, thicker films, and improved long-term storage stability, even with higher production costs. To choose the best coating option for their unique applications and needs, manufacturers must carefully balance the advantages of powder coatings against associated costs.

Global Non-Liquid Coating Market Opportunity

Innovation in Coating Technology

In the field of coating technology, innovation is essential to growth and extending the variety of applications for non-liquid coatings. Creating low-temperature powder coatings is one noteworthy area of innovation that offers a significant chance for industry growth. One benefit of these coatings is that they may be applied at lower temperatures, which increases efficiency and expands the range of applications for non-liquid coatings. Applying coatings at lower temperatures can be especially helpful when high-temperature curing procedures are neither practical nor economical. This creates new opportunities for coating a variety of substrates and surfaces. 

Furthermore, because low-temperature powder coatings use less energy during the coating process while retaining high-quality finishes, they align with the industry's focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. This innovation meets the need for coating solutions that are both ecologically benign and perform excellently without sacrificing sustainability. Innovation is driving market growth in the coatings business as it evolves. Such innovations include low-temperature powder coatings, which provide solutions that meet various application needs, improve efficiency, and support sustainability objectives.

Regional Analysis

The global non-liquid coating market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is estimated to grow at a healthy CAGR  over the forecast period. North America is the sub-dominant region in the worldwide Non-Liquid Coating market, with the United States driving expansion. The US Environmental Protection Agency reported an 8% increase in the use of powder coatings across various industries in 2023, owing to more rigid VOC emissions rules. The American Coatings Association reported that non-liquid coatings comprised 22% of all industrial coatings used in the United States in 2024, up from 19% in 2022. In Canada, Statistics Canada reported a 6% increase in powder coating output in 2023. The United States Department of Energy forecasted a 10% increase in the use of thermal spray coatings in the aerospace sector by 2024. The region's strong emphasis on technical innovation is evidenced by data from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which indicated a 12% rise in patent applications for non-liquid coating technologies in 2023.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9% over the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region emerged as the essential market for non-liquid coatings in 2023-2024, owing to fast industrialization, infrastructure expansion, and a thriving automotive sector. According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, production of powder coatings increased by 12% in 2023 compared to the previous year. In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry forecast a 9% increase in non-liquid coating applications in the automotive industry by 2024. India's Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers reported a 15% increase in local powder coating manufacturing in 2023. The Korea Paint & Coating Industry Cooperative estimated that non-liquid coating material exports would increase by 11% in 2024. In Australia, the Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources forecasted a 7% growth in non-liquid coating use in the building sector by 2023.

Additionally, the region's dominance is further bolstered by severe environmental regulations that encourage VOC-free coatings. For example, China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment predicted that by 2024, 65% of coating manufacturers had shifted to powder or other non-liquid coating technologies, up from 52% in 2023. A mix of industrial solid expansion, favorable government regulations, and rising environmental awareness strengthens Asia Pacific's position as the primary market for non-liquid coatings.

According to the Center for Automotive Research, the North American automotive industry, a significant consumer of non-liquid coatings, is expected to boost its use of powder coatings for automotive components by 5% in 2024. Despite slower growth than Asia Pacific, North America's excellent manufacturing capabilities, high-quality requirements, and continued R&D activities help it maintain its dominant position in the worldwide non-liquid coating industry.

Segmental Analysis

The global non-liquid coating market is segmented based on Resin Type, Coating- method, Substrate, and End-user.

The global non-liquid coating market is further segmented by resin type into thermoset and thermoplastic.

Thermoset coatings are non-liquid coatings that chemically react when subjected to heat, pressure, or a catalyst. This process causes the coating to solidify and become insoluble, resulting in a rugged and long-lasting finish. Thermoset coatings are widely utilized in applications requiring strong resistance to heat, chemicals, and abrasion, such as automotive, industrial, and construction.

Thermoplastic coatings are non-liquid coatings that may be softened and reshaped with heat. They do not undergo chemical reactions during curing, making them more flexible and easier to apply than thermoset coatings. Thermoplastic coatings are commonly utilized in the pharmaceutical food and beverage sectors due to their ability to tolerate high temperatures and non-reactive nature, which aids in preserving coated items.

The global non-liquid coating market is further segmented by coating methods in electrostatic spray fluidized beds.

The electrostatic spray segment dominates the non-liquid coating market and is expected to grow fast throughout the forecast period. Electrostatic spray is the most commonly utilized technology for thermoset coatings. In this approach, the coating particles are electrically charged in the coating gun. The charged particles are subsequently drawn to the grounded target object, resulting in a uniform and practical coating application. The growing need for thermoset powder coatings in various end-use industries, including appliances, automotive, and general industrial, is likely to drive the expansion of the electrostatic spray coating process. This technique enables the application of a homogeneous and lasting coating, making it the preferred method for non-liquid coating applications.

The fluidized bed coating process is generally used to apply thermoplastic powder coatings. This technique uses an upward flow of air or gas to fluidize the powder, resulting in a fluid-like state. The target object is then plunged into the fluidized bed, where the powder adheres to the surface. Fluidized bed coating is also utilized for thermoset powders in situations that demand a thick film build. While more popular than electrostatic spray, the fluidized bed method is a minor but significant approach in the non-liquid coating sector, especially for specific applications and industries.

The non-liquid coating market is further segmented by end-users into appliances, automotive, general industrial, architectural, and furniture.

The automotive sector is the primary end-user for non-liquid coatings. Automotive manufacturers frequently use non-liquid coatings, particularly powder coatings, to create a long-lasting, high-quality finish on various vehicle components. The increased desire for lightweight, fuel-efficient automobiles has pushed the use of non-liquid coatings, which provide better performance than traditional liquid coatings. The growing production of electric cars (EVs) has increased demand for non-liquid coatings in the automotive industry since they are well-suited to the unique requirements of EV components. The automotive segment will likely maintain its dominance in the non-liquid coatings market due to its ongoing emphasis on increasing vehicle aesthetics, durability, and sustainability.

The appliances industry is a substantial sub-dominant end-user segment for non-liquid coatings. Manufacturers of household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens use non-liquid coatings, particularly powder coatings, to improve their products' appearance, scratch resistance, and general quality. The increased demand for energy-efficient and visually appealing household appliances has accelerated the use of non-liquid coatings in this market. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on sustainable manufacturing techniques has made non-liquid coatings a popular alternative, as they are generally more environmentally benign than traditional liquid coatings. While less dominant than the automotive sector, the appliances industry will likely retain a sizable portion of the non-liquid coatings market.

Recent Developments

• May 2024- Arkema exhibited many solutions and technologies at the 2024 American Coatings Show to help its customers' decarbonization, circularity, and other sustainability goals.
• August 2023- Nano-thin 'liquid-like' coatings pave the way for a self-cleaning world. Researchers from the University of Sydney have discovered that oil molecules may chemically bond to solid surfaces in very thin layers while maintaining their "liquid-like" qualities. This finding opens up new avenues for the development of sustainable non-stick materials.