European Coatings Show – The world's leading trade fair for coatings, paints, sealants, and construction chemicals

Innovative materials for surfaces that shape the future

The European Coatings Show (ECS) in Nuremberg is the leading international trade fair for the coatings and coating industry. Every two years, it becomes a meeting place for developers, raw material manufacturers, laboratory experts, process managers, and application engineers from all over the world. The trade fair showcases the latest developments in raw and auxiliary materials, testing and measuring systems, manufacturing processes, and application technologies – from classic industrial coatings to high-performance coatings for automotive, construction, furniture, electronics, and medical technology. With over 1,000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and around 30,000 trade visitors, ECS is one of the most important technology trade fairs of its kind worldwide – and at the same time an innovation laboratory for sustainable, functional, and design-oriented solutions for paint and coatings.

From raw materials to smart coatings

The exhibition covers all key areas of the industry, including:

• Binders, pigments, fillers, additives
• Solvents, hardeners, biopolymers
• Sealants, adhesives, construction chemicals
• Manufacturing and dispersion technologies
• Filling and dosing systems
• Testing technology, rheology, drying processes
• Environmental and occupational safety technology
• Digitalization and automation in the process chain

Focus on sustainability

ECS is particularly focused on sustainable material solutions. Manufacturers present bio-based raw materials, VOC-reduced formulations, water-based systems, and recyclable packaging concepts. Resource-saving manufacturing processes and energy-efficient drying technologies are also becoming increasingly important. Research and industry are working together to find ways to better balance environmental friendliness, functionality, and cost-effectiveness—a key issue for the entire industry.

European Coatings Conference—science meets practice

The high-profile European Coatings Conference will take place parallel to the trade fair. Here, scientists, developers, and company representatives will present their latest research results, showcase best practices, and provide insight into regulatory trends. Topics to be discussed include:

• New polymer technologies
• Functionalization of surfaces (hydrophobic, antimicrobial, conductive)
• Dispersion of nanomaterials
• Circular economy and CO₂ balance of coatings
• Requirements under EU chemicals legislation (e.g., REACH)

Innovation as a system: Thinking in networks, acting in a targeted manner

In addition to new products, the focus is on the system concept: How can raw materials, process steps, and applications be optimally coordinated? Which digital solutions help with quality control? And how can processes be automated to increase productivity and reproducibility? These questions permeate not only the exhibitors' offerings, but also the supporting program with live demonstrations, short presentations, and networking events.

Start-ups, SMEs, and global players on equal footing

Whether you are a global chemical company, a medium-sized machine manufacturer, or a research-oriented start-up, ECS is where all the players in the industry meet on equal footing. The trade fair offers an excellent platform, especially for smaller companies, to position themselves with special solutions, sustainable innovations, or niche competencies.

Functional surfaces – for technology, design, and the environment

Whether it's scratch-resistant car paint, self-cleaning facade paint, or emission-free flooring, modern coatings have long since taken on more than just decorative functions. They protect, optimize, refine, and communicate. ECS shows how far development has already progressed – and what potential still remains untapped.

European Coatings Show – global stage for the future of the surface industry

The ECS is not only a showcase for technological innovation, but also a place for strategic exchange on market trends, regulation, and international standards. Anyone working in the coatings, paints, and sealants industry will find the decisive impetus for research, development, and business development here. Further information can be found on the organizer's website: www.european-coatings-show.com