U.S. powder coatings demand is projected to expand 3.5% annually to 445 million pounds in 2013, with a market value of $1.2 billion. Volume growth is expected to outpace the gains of the 2003-2008 period as durable goods shipments are forecast to rebound from a weak 2008 base. Powder coatings will continue to achieve gains above the overall paint and coatings market average, taking share from competing products. However, advances in powder coatings market value will continue to be restrained by downward pricing pressure, as overcapacity in the industry persists and the manufacture of durable goods shifts to developing regions, particularly Asia. These and other trends, including market share and product segmentation, are presented in “Powder Coatings,” a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc.

Thermoset powder coatings (e.g., epoxy, epoxy/polyester hybrid, polyurethane, polyester, acrylic and silicone) represent the vast majority of the overall powder coatings market, accounting for 91% of demand in 2008. Epoxy is the single largest product type in the thermoset segment, favored for its excellent corrosion and chemical resistance in interior applications.

Thermoplastic powder coatings (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, nylon, fluoropolymer, polyolefin and ethylene acrylic acid copolymer) account for the remainder of demand. Polyvinyl chloride is the largest product type in the thermoplastic segment, benefitting from its position as the lowest-cost powder coating on the market. Nylon powder coatings exhibit excellent resistance to chemicals, solvents, scratches and corrosion.