The PaintExpo trade fair is the world's leading event for industrial coating technology, taking place every two years in Karlsruhe, Germany. It covers the full spectrum of the supply chain for industrial coating: from spray guns and application systems, through cleaning and pre-treatment, drying/curing, coatings (wet and powder), automation and conveyor technology, to testing/quality assurance and services.For the 2026 edition, the dates are April 14 - 17, 2026 at Messe Karlsruhe (Halls 1-3).The newly appointed Project Director, Ms Carmen Bender, talks about PaintExpo 2026 in a chat with C&amp;ACERWhat is new at PaintExpo 2026?There are visible changes in the brand appearance: a new design focusing on brighter, more vibrant colors to emphasize the “Paint” in PaintExpo.The next edition has already achieved very strong registration: six months ahead of the trade fair, 350 companies had secured around 28,000 m² of exhibition space - already more than 89% of the previous event's space.The 2026 edition continues to build on the strong international profile: current exhibitor mix includes approximately 53% from outside Germany, with exhibitors already from Italy, Turkey, India, China and even Egypt, Vietnam, Cyprus among others.For the first time, PaintExpo will host a New Talent Day on the final day of the trade fair. Students and graduates from universities around Karlsruhe are invited to discover the industry through guided tours, meet potential employers, and attend a keynote and onsite presentations at exhibitor stands. It's a unique chance to connect young talent with leading companies in the coating technology sector.How is PaintExpo different from similar events?There is no similar event like PaintExpo.Global reach &amp; industry leadership: PaintExpo is the world's leading trade fair for industrial coating technology, reflected in its high level of international exhibitors and visitors from across the entire value chain.Full value chain coverage: The trade fair covers every stage of industrial coating operations: from pre-treatment and coating materials to automation, quality assurance and recycling.Decision-maker audience: At previous editions, a large share of visitors was from outside Germany and many had investment or procurement influence, making it a high-quality meeting place.Launching platform for innovations: It is not just an exhibition but a “trend barometer” where new technologies and sustainable solutions are showcased.Live, global networking hub: Users (in-house coaters, job-shops, OEMs) and suppliers gather under one roof – which enhances business opportunity. What are the paradigm shifts you see within this industry?Sustainability &amp; efficiency: Coating processes are increasingly judged by energy use, material efficiency, and environmental impact. For example, for the 2024 edition some exhibitors emphasized solutions for sustainable coatings.Automation &amp; digitalization: The move towards smarter systems in surface treatment (robotics, conveyors, sensors, digital monitoring) is evident. The fair emphasizes application systems, automation and testing in its scope.Globalization &amp; supply-chain complexity: The exhibitor and visitor base is increasingly international; also markets such as India are explicitly referenced among exhibitors.Service-oriented business models: The trade fair's portfolio includes services, training and vocational education: signaling that raw equipment sales are no longer the only focus.<img src="https://cdn.magzter.com/1640066610/1763442819/articles/hAPytOMcQ1763447434013/3365344347.jpg" alt="image">What are the new technologies/products being launched at PaintExpo 2026?The fair is the most important platform for global product launches, trends, future technologies and innovations in all aspects of industrial coating technology.In the 2024 edition there were world premieres, sustainable and energy-efficient coating processes showcased.So visitors to 2026 can expect a concentrated showcase of latest developments in:- Wet and powder coating materials with improved performance (durability, substrate adhesion, environmental credentials)- Application and automation systems (robotic spray, conveyor integration)- Pre-treatment and cleaning technologies for modern multi-material parts- Quality assurance, digital monitoring, data-driven coating processes- Recycling, environmental &amp; exhaust-air technologies, cleaning and resource efficiency (these are part of the standard scope).Details of concrete launches at PaintExpo 2026 will be announced in the beginning of 2026.Why is PaintExpo a must for the industry?It brings together suppliers, system integrators, paint manufacturers and end-users from across the globe in one place. PaintExpo is therefore ideal for benchmarking technologies and sourcing new solutions.Especially for companies aiming at global competitiveness, including Indian manufacturers and exporters, this trade fair gives exposure not only to German or European technology but to a global network.Because the event covers the full process chain, visitors can capture synergies: e.g., how pre-treatment affects coating quality, how automation boosts throughput, how new coatings meet sustainability demands.It is a trend barometer: many industry observers regard PaintExpo as where the next generation of coating technologies is first shown.The international nature (e.g., more than one in three visitors at 2024 came from outside Germany) means you meet decision-makers from all over the world.For buyers, engineers and R&amp;D professionals, visiting PaintExpo may enable them to make more informed investment decisions, explore partnerships and upgrade their coating operations.What are the key takeaways you are hoping for at PaintExpo 2026?Insights into the latest coating systems and materials that can drive higher quality, lower costs and improved sustainability for Indian production.Exposure to automation and digitalization trends in surface treatment which may inform modernization of factories.Opportunity to network with leading global suppliers and technology innovators: potentially enabling collaborations or sourcing.Benchmarking of international best-practice in coating: both wet and powder, and for in-house vs contract coatingUnderstanding of global export-oriented coating technology: how coatings are specified and applied in Europe (and how that compares to India) useful for Indian manufacturers targeting export markets.A selection of possible equipment-investment leads, enabling budget planning and supplier meetings while the fair is live.Trends and discussions on sustainability, regulation, material efficiency - increasingly important for Indian industry as well.Why should the Indian industry consider attending PaintExpo 2026?For India's industrial coating, finishing &amp; surface-technology sector, PaintExpo 2026 in Karlsruhe offers an outstanding opportunity. If you are involved in manufacturing, coating operations, OEM supply chains, contract coating or R&amp;D, this trade fair gives you exposure to leading global innovations, access to decision-makers, benchmarking against global best-practices, and direct supplier-engagement all under one roof. Given the strong international participation (including from India already) and broad coverage of technologies, attending PaintExpo 2026 can be a strategic investment for growth, export readiness and technology upgrading.

PaintExpo 2026: Where the global coating industry meets

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