June is our annual Additives issue, where we feature a variety of articles related to new additives technologies, as well as a directory of additives suppliers and distributors. This issue also includes an interview with four additives suppliers from different regions of the world. These suppliers share their perspectives on the current market, industry drivers, steps they take when developing new products and challenges that formulators face.

According to a recent report from Lucintel, the coating additives market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2014-2019. The report, titled The Global Coating Additives Market 2014-2019: Trends, Forecast and Opportunity Analysis, indicates that the major drivers of coating additives are a growing demand for multifunctional additives, strict environmental regulations, emerging transition from solventborne to alternate technologies, growing awareness among users and formulators about the benefits of coating additives, and strong growth in end-user markets. 

The report forecasts that the majority of the segments of global coating additives will have good growth during 2014-2019. The wetting and dispersing agent segment is expected to grow at a greater pace, followed by the rheology modifiers and antifoaming agent segments. The report also states that industry players are interested in partnerships and strategic alliances, and are focusing on the development of the new coating additives to meet the ever-changing demands of customers. 

The sustainability trend is driving suppliers to develop products that promote durability, efficiency, emissions reduction, extended lifespan and health, and that reduce production, application and energy costs. Many additive technologies that follow this trend were introduced at the recent European Coatings Show, including a new biobased hardener for polyurethane coatings, a mineral oil- and silicone-free defoamer, and a preservative that is free of formaldehyde, MIT and VOCs, just to name a few. 

 You can read a short recap of some of the technologies and products featured at the show on page 34. A more in-depth article that covers many more highlights from the show in Germany can be found in our digital edition of this issue at www.pcimag.com.