Marking Coating Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Urbanization and smart cities: Urbanization often leads to the development of smart cities, which integrate advanced technologies into infrastructure. These cities require innovative road marking solutions that are compatible with smart transportation systems. For instance, advanced coatings that include reflective or sensory features can interact with automated driving systems and smart traffic management technologies, which are increasingly needed in densely populated urban areas.
  
  The introduction of cutting-edge solutions by major companies that address the changing demands of technology integration, sustainability, and safety is propelling the marking coating market. Road infrastructure is changing and there are new prospects for growth due to innovations including smart, reflective, long-lasting, and specialty coatings. Smart cities also focus on sustainability, leading to a preference for eco-friendly marking materials, such as waterborne or low-VOC coatings, that reduce environmental impact. ROADMASTER WB2, a product by Dulux Protective Coatings, is a fast-drying waterborne road marking paint based on a long-lasting acrylic emulsion. It may be applied to concrete and bitumen surfaces without bleeding or discoloration, resulting in clear lines with high visibility. Moreover, it incorporates the use of reflective glass beads to increase visibility and safety.
• Technological advancements in coatings: Advanced coatings such as thermoplastic coatings are increasingly being adopted due to their durability and fast drying times. These coatings are applied in a molten state and harden upon cooling, creating highly durable and wear-resistant markings. Thermoplastics can last longer than traditional paints, even in heavy traffic areas, and are suitable for use in hot and cold climates.
  
  Further, glow-in-the-dark coatings, which absorb sunlight during the day and emit light at night, are becoming more popular in areas with limited street lighting. These photoluminescent coatings enhance visibility without electricity, making them ideal for rural or underdeveloped areas. This technology can reduce energy consumption while improving nighttime safety, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for road infrastructure. According to a 2021 study on Smart Roads with Glowing Lines by the International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology (IJRASET), the idea behind the Smart Highway with Glowing Lines is to make highways safer, smarter, and more energy-efficient for solar-powered energy generation. Glowing lines employ luminescent paint that illuminates for up to 10 to 15 hours at night after being charged by solar energy during the day.
• Industrial and warehouse safety: Industries and warehouses are subject to stringent safety regulations, including OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards. Marking coatings are used to clearly define safe walkways, hazardous areas, and equipment zones, helping businesses comply with safety standards and prevent accidents. Approximately 5% of warehouse workers get injuries each year, and the situation is becoming worse, raising concerns about warehouse safety. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports a huge rise in preventable workplace fatalities.
  
  Clear and durable markings in industrial environments help reduce accidents, injuries, and collisions. Marking coatings are used to highlight dangers such as loading zones, machinery areas, and emergency exits, which are essential in high-traffic environments.

Challenges

• Environmental regulations: Stringent regulations concerning volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous emissions are a significant restraint. Many conventional marking coatings contain harmful chemicals that are subject to environmental restrictions. Compliance with these regulations often requires manufacturers to invest in eco-friendly alternatives, which may be more expensive and have limited availability.
• Lack of awareness and training: In some industries, there is limited awareness of the benefits of high-quality marking coatings or the proper application techniques. This can result in the use of substandard products, improper application, or insufficient maintenance, reducing the effectiveness and lifespan of the coatings.