Coating Forum 2025

Coating Forum 2025 took place on February 18, 2025, at the Megaron – Athens Concert Hall, organized by the Institute of Coating Technologies (IoCT). Following the successful events of 2022 and 2023, the coatings and paint industry once again responded enthusiastically to this year’s forum. Experts, executives, and entrepreneurs from Greece and abroad, all involved in the coatings lifecycle, attended the event. The active support of companies, organizations, institutions, and industry media, along with the high-level organization and insightful presentations by distinguished speakers, gave new momentum to Coating Forum 2025 and contributed to its overall success.

Titled “Construction Next”, this year’s conference reflected IoCT’s vision for the future of the construction industry. It emphasized the transition into a new era defined by innovation, sustainability, smart technologies, and material advancements that will shape the sector going forward.

In terms of numbers, Coating Forum 2025 included four thematic sessions featuring twenty-nine speakers and moderators. It attracted 405 attendees and representatives from 193 companies, institutions, and organizations. Sponsorships included two platinum, five gold, and thirty silver sponsors. The event was held under the auspices of seven industry bodies and supported by twenty-two media outlets.

Opening – Welcome Remarks

The forum opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Evripidis Tsaousoglou, Director of IoCT, who highlighted that this year’s event was sold out—a record participation that reflects the relevance and growth of the construction materials sector. Greetings followed from several notable figures: George Pitsilis, Governor of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE); Armodios Yannidis, President of the Hellenic Association of Chemical Industries; Panagiotis Skarlatos, Director of the Hellenic Coatings Association; Ramon Farres, EMEA Director at Guild CPO; Pantelis Pateniotis, General Manager of PASYDIP; Pantelis Levantis, Board Member of the Sustainable Building Council Greece; Alexandros Zomas, Board Member of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture (HIA) and Maria Tsiompanou, President of the Panhellenic Union of Public Works Contractors.

Session EUROPEAN TRENDS AND NATIONAL STRATEGIES IN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

The first session, titled “European Trends and National Strategies in the Chemical Industry”, addressed current EU policies, regulations, and strategies shaping the chemical sector. Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Christos Dimas opened the session, focusing on Greece’s economic trajectory, development plans, tax reforms, and the chemical industry’s role in growth. David Beckford, Managing Director of Pronto Industrial Paints Ltd and Chairman of CEPE, discussed collaboration between businesses for the common good. Sophia Zisi, Chair of the Management Board at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and Director General of the General Chemical State Laboratory, gave a detailed analysis of chemical safety. George Kapantaidakis, Director of Industrial Policy at the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), presented the sector’s challenges and opportunities. The session was moderated by Kostas Papachlimintzos, a journalist and presenter at ERT.

Session  BUSINESS CASES

The second session, “Business Cases”, showcased real-world examples of how innovation is transforming the industry. Marlies van Wijhe, CEO of Royal Van Wijhe Verf and Chair of the Dutch Coatings Association, spoke about sustainability and her company’s environmental initiatives. Ralf Wunder, Vice President of European Sales at KRONOS, analyzed the titanium dioxide (TiO₂) industry and its economic dynamics. Vasilis Vasileiadis, President and CEO of HB BODY Group, presented innovative coating solutions, particularly in automotive refinishing. Trevor Matayi, Senior Advisor at ORR & BOSS, offered a global overview of the coatings market and current trends. The session was moderated by journalist Konstantinos Davlos from SKAI TV.

Session EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION: LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES IN THE BUILDING MATERIALS INDUSTRY

The third session, “Empowering the Next Generation: Leadership Perspectives in the Building Materials Industry”, focused on the emerging generation of leaders driving innovation and change through succession and long-term commitment. The roundtable was moderated by Armodios Yannidis and featured Anastasia Pouliou, Store Manager at Pouliou Bros; Giorgos Gramatidis, Relationship Manager at ERLAC; Alexandros Chalioris, Business Development Manager at Thrace Group; and Panagis Trikardos, Business Development Manager at Trikardos S.A. Through a productive discussion, panelists and attendees shared challenges, opportunities, and their vision for the future of the industry.

Session NEXT FRONTIER IN SUSTAINABILITY

The fourth and final session, “Next Frontier in Sustainability”, brought sustainability to the forefront as a key driver of development. Speakers presented new technologies and regulations promoting a greener future through sustainable production and the use of eco-friendly materials. Xristos Xatziastrou, Chemist and Technical Support Director at FIBRAN, discussed complex external thermal insulation systems and their relationship with coatings. Maria Tsitouridou and Stavros Moschidis from ISOMAT SA focused on the importance of regulations and certification systems in sustainability. Konstantinos Mavropoulos, Director of Sustainability Audits at TUV Austria Hellas, emphasized the value of certified sustainability services in the coatings and construction materials sectors. Sofronios (Akis) Mavraganis, Director of Innovation and Technical Marketing at Omya International AG, presented innovative solutions for more sustainable paints and building materials. Finally, Mirko Zago, Chemist, Biotechnologist, and R&D Manager at ASTROBIOSOLVENT, introduced cutting-edge blends of bio-based functional solvents. The session was moderated by journalist and editor Giorgos Katsimilis from Boussias Media.

Contributors of  Coating Forum 2025

Platinum Sponsors of Coating Forum 2025 were DEKACHIM and KRALLIS.
Gold Sponsors included FIBRAN, ISOMAT, MEGARA RESINS, P&C (POLYMERS & COLORS), and VITEX.
Silver Sponsors were ACRO-POL, AFCO, AISAKOS, AKFA, CHEMICAL-NET, DEUTERON, DICHEM POLYMERS, HB BODY, LEONICE, MOUTSIDIS CHEMICALS, MÜNZING CHEMIE, NEOKEM, NEOTEX, NOVAMIX, OILCHEM, OXEA, POLYTRADE RAW MATERIALS, QUIMIDROGA, SAFIC ALCAN, SB PIPERAS, SMALTOLIN, TCK CHEMICALS, TUV AUSTRIA HELLAS, SOURIS CHEMICALS, VECHRO, VIDARA, TCP PROTECT, THRACE GROUP, TRICARDOS, and CHROTEX.

The forum was held under the auspices of the Panhellenic Association of Expanded Polystyrene, the Hellenic Coatings Association, the Hellenic Association of Chemical Industries, the Sustainable Building Council Greece, the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, the Guild CPO, and the Panhellenic Union of Public Works Contractors.

Regarding the Institute of Coating Technologies (IoCT)

The Institute of Coating Technologies (IoCT) is a forward-looking initiative founded by Greek academics and senior industry professionals. It addresses the need for education, development, and research in the coatings sector. Drawing on accumulated expertise from raw materials to application and inspection, the IoCT has become a reference point for the industry. One of its core missions is to train professionals directly or indirectly involved with coatings, acting as a valuable resource for every specialized paint application. Its collaborations with leading European scientific institutions have continuously expanded the range of services it offers.