World Coatings Council

For over two decades the World Coatings Council has worked to improve communication and coordinate policy on matters of international concern to the paint and printing inks industry. The council provides a forum for exchange and cooperation on major issues and priorities facing the industry, and has established itself as a global voice for the industry.

History of the World Coatings Council

Over the last several years, common issues facing the paint and printing ink industries on a global level have increased significantly. While it is always a constant challenge for each individual country to manage the myriad of domestic regulations, it has become increasingly difficult to interpret the potential impact of foreign issues. In 1992, in an attempt to improve communication and to coordinate industry policy on matters of international concern, the International Paint and Printing Ink Council (now the World Coatings Council) was formed. The council was established to ensure that the industry, in coordinating the development of policy on international issues, fully discussed and analyzed the global implications. In 2005 the council was granted NGO status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council allowing it to highlight industry issues to the UN and it’s governing body. In 2019, the name of the International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC) was changed to the World Coatings Council.

The World Coatings Council’s Organization

Members of the council include the American Coatings Association (ACA), Australian Paint Manufacturers’ Federation (APMF), the Brazilian Paint Manufacturers Association (ABRAFATI), The British Coatings Federation (BCF), the Canadian Paint and Coatings Association (CPCA), the European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink and Artists‘ Colours Industry (CEPE), the China National Coatings Industry Association (CNCIA), the French Paints, Printing Inks, Artist Colours and Adhesives Association(FIPEC), the German Paint Industry Association (VdL), the Japan Paint Manufacturers Association (JPMA), the Mexican Paint and Printing Ink Manufacturers’ Association (ANAFAPYT), the New Zealand Paint Manufacturers Association (NZPMA), the South African Paint Manufacturers Association (SAPMA), and the Association of the Paint Industry in Turkey (BOSAD).

One association is appointed as the World Coatings Council Secretariat. It is the role of the Secretariat to ensure timely communication among the participants and to organize and administer the council’s meetings. The Secretariat also functions as a communications center, entailing a proactive role to ensure that preparatory work is executed between meetings. ACA performs the role of Secretariat.

Meetings are held once a year, with the meeting site rotating among the various countries. The President of the World Coatings Council chairs the meetings. The council President is selected by the members and serves a two-year term with an option for reappointment.

For general inquiries, email: worldcoatings@paint.org

The Role of the World Coatings Council

The World Coatings Council provides a forum for information exchange and cooperation on the major issues and priorities facing paint and printing ink industries worldwide. The council acts as a focal point for monitoring and communicating specified international issues; develops recommendations and analyses on selected issues of common interest to the participating organizations and attempts to derive a common position (in conjunction with the governing bodies of the respective participants); coordinates industry positions and communicates with other international organizations; and serves as a forum for open dialogue and exchange between the participating organizations on issues of common interest.