Trade fairs, innovations and an uncertain international political landscape.
March was a hectic month, under many points of view.
Several trade fairs took place this month, including European Coatings Show and Scandinavian Coating. But also MADE expo, Cosmopack, OMC and MecSpe. The team of ipcm® participated first-hand in all these events – a networking opportunity, as well as an unmissable opportunity to get in touch with all the latest innovations and technologies of the sector: from the programming of painting robots through VR to new non-toxic, 100% sustainable coatings.
Industry innovations are also featured in the latest issue of ipcm® which has a special focus on architecture & design. IPCM showcases several examples of companies that, despite the tense political climate and the threat of a new recession, are investing to confirm and consolidate their presence in an uncertain market that still continues to evolve, always creating new needs.
The future of the coatings industry between Brexit and new agreements
The current political tension has been discussed for the first time also in the pages of ipcm®: although it may seem distant from the world of innovation and new technologies to which our readers are accustomed, political choices also have repercussions on the industrial sector and the restlessness perceived at an international level is undeniable.
In this regard, two interesting articles offer some food for thought on some of the thorniest international issues: Brexit and Trump's latest reforms in the US.
The debate on how and when to execute Brexit continues on between the United Kingdom and Europe. Two years after the vote, the situation is more uncertain than ever, especially within the UK itself, and this is also having repercussions on the coatings industry, which will have to deal with the possible changes in environmental, health and security regulations, with the possible repercussions of Brexit on import/export activities and on investments, as Tom Bowtell of the British Coatings Federation explains.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the pond, the latest US tax reform raises concerns in countries like Canada, where a negative impact on GDP and strong risks for over 78 thousand direct and indirect jobs are expected. All this is part of the general uncertainty arising from NAFTA, which is expected to be replaced by the new possible agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada (USMCA).
In this ambivalent climate, ipcm®'s commitment in being an authoritative and constantly updated source for the industry at 360 degrees remains certain.