Chuck Kahle, PPG Industries’ chief technology officer and vice president, research and development, coatings, delivered the keynote address today at the American Coatings Show in Atlanta, hosted by the American Coatings Association. His presentation, “Energy as a Driver for Coatings Innovation,” focused on the dramatic changes in the coatings marketplace due to fluctuations in energy cost and availability.

“Changes in energy are driving a revolution in the materials and processes used to manufacture products in a number of industries served by the coatings and specialty materials sector,” Kahle said. “All of this is resulting in more efficient operations for buildings, lighter and more efficient modes of transportation, and lower-cost manufacturing processes, ultimately contributing toward sustainability of our environment, economies and society.”

Kahle pointed to PPG technologies that assist customers across end-use markets in achieving greater energy efficiency. For example, the company’s coatings technologies help automakers lower energy use by eliminating steps in the manufacturing process. PPG coatings and materials also help automotive manufacturers make lighter vehicles that use less fuel. Sustainable products such as these account for a growing percentage of PPG’s sales.

“Disruptions in the energy marketplace, such as how energy is generated, stored and conserved, are shaping the future of the industry and leading the way to sustainable global growth,” Kahle said. From changes in product formulation to the evolution of manufacturing processes, he explored how these disruptions are leading to new innovations in the building, transportation, industrial and raw material sectors.

The American Coatings Show is known as the leading event for the paint and coatings industry in North America.