China’s automotive industry is shifting from rapid growth to structural adjustment and upgrading,
while the broader industrial sector is intensifying efforts to tackle climate challenges and accelerate
green transformation. As a key enabler for both sectors, the coatings industry supports this
transition with low-carbon, safe and durable solutions. In this context, materials manufacturer
Covestro and Nippon Paint have formed a strategic partnership to strengthen collaboration in
automotive and industrial coatings. Together, the two companies aim to co-develop efficient,
sustainable and high-performance coatings that drive industry innovation and support downstream
transformation.
Based on deep industry insights, the two companies will focus on automotive and industrial coatings,
covering applications such as automotive OEM coatings, components, refinish paints, as well as coil
steel, construction machinery, wind power and photovoltaics. The collaboration will encompass low-
carbon material development, technological innovation, energy efficiency improvements and VOC
emission reduction to drive sustainable and high-quality industry development through enhanced
supply chain coordination.
This agreement, signed at Nippon Paint’s booth during the 8th China International Import Expo
(CIIE), reflects a shared commitment between Covestro and Nippon Paint to explore new
collaborative pathways. Nippon Paint and Covestro unveiled a pioneering bio-based automotive
coatings solution that enables matte-finish gradient colors—a technologically challenging feat that
addresses the automotive industry’s demand for outstanding performance, distinctive design and
sustainability.
“This strategic partnership will fully unlock the synergistic potential of both companies in technology
development and resource integration. We look forward to working with Nippon Paint to advance
cutting-edge technology development and implementation, drive green transformation across the
industry through innovative material science and circular economy principles, and contribute our
technological expertise to China’s dual carbon goals and industrial upgrading,” said Anand Khot,
Head of Coatings and Adhesives Asia Pacific, Covestro.