The global pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives. One of the most profound changes was that as a result of the shutdown, people have been forced to spend the most of their time at home doing everything from working, studying and working out. As a result people have had to rethink the design and purpose of their living spaces. As homes have become not only recreational spaces but also schools and work areas, DIYers have been busy transforming their rooms into multi-functional spaces. This has in turn increased the market for interior paints and coatings. “The impact of COVID-19 on the interior coatings market varied widely based on the structure of the market and the type of sector,” said Kathryn Ledson, global marketing director, Consumer Paints at AkzoNobel. “In the main, markets with a significant DIY focus saw increases in demand as spend shifted from areas such as travel to home improvement. Consumers used the time at home to upskill themselves and we saw a rise in online searches for colour help and advice.” Ledson noted an increase in paint projects in those markets that have a very strong history of DIY. “People’s homes became the focal point of activity and have become central to their lives during this global pandemic. Families are living, educating, working and getting creative indoors, sometimes all at once. So, it’s no surprise that people have reconsidered their environment and are taking advantage of the time to refresh their homes. Some are creating colourful workspaces out of necessity; others are refreshing the spaces that they are now spending more time in. People who have put off home improvement jobs have utilised the time normally spent on travel and entertainment to carry out their renovations. And people looking to attain new skills have often opted to learn DIY skills.” There has also been an increased appreciation for the power of paint colour to transform a space to positively influence and elevate an environment or provide a sense of comfort. Paint is a low-cost and high-impact project, it can improve home value and set or influence the desired mood in any setting whether it’s to increase productivity or encourage a sense of wellness. In June, Bank of America polled more than 1,000 Americans about their attitudes and shopping habits during the pandemic, and they found that 70 percent of respondents tackled home improvement projects, with additional projects already planned for 2021. Colour Trends
When considering both interior or exterior coatings, colour is probably the most important factor for a DIYer.
People are really taking stock of the things which matter to them and that for many the home has become a solid foundation of support, as well as a space to get creative. We see that people are looking for colours that help them restore natural balance. In homes, the trend towards using soft neutrals continues, as well as the use of earthy tones to bring warmth and harmony to homes. For those people with more contemporary styles, we see the use of colours which are energising but not overpowering – bringing positivity and balance to spaces.”
New Product Trends Indoor air pollution is drawing a lot of attention from major health organisations these days. As a result leading paint and coating manufacturers are looking at various new innovations. For example, Dulux Better Living Clean Air is an innovative bio-based paint that can help to purify indoor air. Its Pure Air Technology removes pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, making it a really smart solution. AkzoNobel also recently launched a new anti-marking technology across a number of its paint brands in Europe, including Dulux Trade Scuffshield and Sikkens Anti-Mark. This paint is designed to keep walls looking good for longer, protecting them from the scuff marks which are left behind by items like bags and shoes. It is water-based, cleanable and an ideal product to use in rooms where many people are coming and going. US company, PPG having recognised that now more than ever, people are seeking multiple layers of protection as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic are planning to launch a paint product that contains Corning Guardiant glass-ceramic technology, shown to kill more than 99.9 percent of SARS-CoV-2, providing customers with an additional safeguard from the Coronavirus in areas that pose a higher health risk.
For more information on the local paint industry, raw materials and additives contact Chemgrit Coatings on www.chemgritsa.co.za or marilyn@chemgritsa.co.za .