In 2022, the powder coating industry is said to have raked in 14.7 billion dollars across the globe and by 2032 it is expected to hit a market size of 25.4 billion dollars. The industry is not slowing down, and there are many new aspects to powder coating in Houston that will give the market every advantage over other coating methods. But is it sustainable? The definition of sustainability is the ability of a market to meet current demands without sacrificing availability for future needs. The powder coating industry in Houston has always boasted a higher measure of sustainability than other coating industries. The durability of powder coating in combination with the recyclability of powders and abrasive medias make the powder coating industry in Houston a sustainable one. However, new developments in the powder coating industry stand to make it even more sustainable for the future.

Plant-based is a buzzword many industries have been using lately to promote more sustainable goods. Recently Sherwin Williams has unveiled its new Powdura® ECO Hybrid Coatings line which uses 25% pre-consumer recycled plastic. The company Allnex has also developed a powder coating line that uses 25% pre-consumer recycled plastic, as well as a line that uses plant-based polyester resins.  According to the industry, one pound of the recycled product powders contain on average the equivalent of 10 water bottles worth of consumer plastics. 

The powder coating supply industry has been looking for durable powders that are able to be cured at a lower temperature than previous powders. This reduces a company’s carbon footprint as well as its energy costs. In recent years, companies have been shifting to a more sustainable cure time and temperatures of 10 to 15 minutes at 150 to 160 degrees Celsius for a majority of powder coatings. Not only do these powder coatings save companies money on energy expenses, but a quicker turn around allows for higher production numbers. 

Houston is subject to all manner of weather conditions. Heavy rains and floods, ice storms, extreme heat, and more can all wreak havoc on things that are exposed to the outdoors consistently. Powder coating Houston’s large-scale outdoor installations such as traffic lights, parking meters, park benches and more is a significant expense, but it can lead to significant cost-savings over time. Different climates will require different powder coating finishes and choosing a powder coating finish in Houston that has been tested in other regions may not provide the long-lasting, durable finish the client desires. A tried-and-true powder coating job from an experienced powder coating shop in Houston will lend you the best results, as they are experienced in choosing the appropriate finishes for their customer base. 

When it comes to discussing budget and financials with a customer, it is important to explain that even if up-front costs are higher, that doesn’t mean the finished product will be more expensive over the life of the object. A cheaper, less appropriate powder coating job in Houston can and will cost more money over the life of the product, despite a lower up-front cost. Repairing infrastructure can disrupt the daily flow of life in an area, so investing in long-lasting, durable products for your city prevents needless interruptions to traffic flow, park attendance, and more. Public infrastructure is subjected to heavy use, damaging environmental factors, etc. and preventing premature damage by spending more up-front protects residents and their families.