ABRAFATI 2013, organized by The Brazilian Association of Coatings Manufacturers, will be held September 16-18 at the Transamérica Expo Center in São Paulo, Brazil. This year’s event, which is expected to draw 20,000 visitors, will include the 13th International Coatings Congress and International Exhibition of Coatings Suppliers. Brazil’s growth prospects and its regional leadership are attractive to large coatings manufacturers and suppliers. Global players operating directly in Brazil, as well as companies from Europe, the Americas and Asia will be present to discover new trends and developments in research and development.

The 13th International Coating Congress will include 72 lectures, a 50-presentation Poster Session and four Plenary Sessions. According to Jorge Fazenda, Scientific Advisor to ABRAFATI, “Sustainability will be a key theme at the event, and the studies presented will reflect this. Among the major drivers of current research related to coatings, numerous papers will emphasize the reduction of VOCs and innovations in waterborne systems.” Fazenda also noted that nanotechnology, which continues to be an important concern of professionals dedicated to developing the coatings of the future, will also be a hot topic this year.

The Plenary Session opening ABRAFATI 2013 will highlight the transformations that the market and products must undergo in order to meet the new demands of society. Antonio Carlos Lacerda, President of ABRAFATI's Directive Board and Senior Vice President for South America at BASF, will present his perspective on the existing opportunities for the future of the coatings chain in Brazil and South America, as well as a number of insights about the challenges that need to be addressed and overcome.

“There is a significant potential for market growth that could double it in the next 10 years. Nevertheless, we must think about what the future will be like, with particular attention to the demands of the consumer and society. Sustainability, in its broader sense, will have a crucial role in the definitions related to the future of the coatings industry. Other aspects must also be considered in the light of its growing influence in the use and image of coatings as a product,” Lacerda said.

Radiation curing will have a strong presence at the Congress, with the third ABRAFATI-RadTech South America Seminar on Radiation Curing. Composed of a panel and 11 lectures, the extensive program includes the participation of international experts connected to RadTech from all around the world. The benefits of this technology, particularly those related to sustainability and productivity, will be highlighted.

Over 250 coatings suppliers from Latin America, the United States, Europe and Asia will be exhibiting their products, raw materials, technology, services and systems for the industry. Product presentations will also be given, which offer the exhibitors a commercial approach to freely showcase their products, services and the latest releases to clients and visitors. 

 I hope you enjoy and benefit from our special Portuguese section in this issue, directed to those attending the ABRAFATI event.