IST – International Surface Technology

BASF Is Selling Its Brazilian Decorative Paints Business to Sherwin-Williams: BASF has signed an agreement with Sherwin-Williams to sell its Brazilian decorative paints business, which is part of its Coatings division. The transaction is structured as a share deal.

BASF Coatings Implements Renewable Electricity at Key Sites In North America: At the beginning of 2025, BASF Coatings switched to 100% renewable electricity at its North American sites in Greenville and Blackman Township. The measure is expected to contribute to savings of more than 11,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Thomas Auinger Is New Head of Indusferica: Swarco Indusferica is starting 2025 with a new addition. Thomas Auinger is taking over the position of Head of Indusferica, bringing with him extensive experience in business development, product development and strategic planning.

Dürr Equips First BYD Plant in Europe With Automated Painting Technology: The Chinese e-vehicle manufacturer BYD Auto Company Limited is building its first car plant in Europe in Szeged, Hungary. The painting technology with over 120 robots for various painting lines is being supplied by machinery and plant manufacturer Dürr.

BASF Coatings and Koch International Rely on Electric Trucks for Long-Distance Transport: BASF Coatings and the logistics service provider Koch International have tested the use of electric trucks for long distances and are now implementing the sustainable transport solution in the chemical company’s long-distance transportation.

Autonomous AI Assistant To Build Nanostructures: An interdisciplinary research group is constructing logic circuits by arranging individual molecules in a targeted way. Artificial intelligence is to accelerate the process.

Thin-Film Coatings For Space Applications Being Tested on the ISS: As part of the 31st SpaceX resupply mission, thin-film coatings developed at Montanuniversität Leoben (Austria) for future space applications are being tested on the International Space Station (ISS).

Association of European Paint Manufacturers Rejects Punitive Tariffs on Titanium Dioxide From China: The European paint association Cepe fears that the competitiveness of the EU paint industry will be impaired by punitive tariffs on titanium dioxide from China and is calling on member states to reject corresponding EU Commission proposals.

ABB Aims To Reduce Costs and Emissions in Vehicle Painting Through Strategic Cooperation: The technology company ABB has entered into a strategic partnership with the software manufacturer ESS to develop powerful simulation tools that will transform the painting process in the automotive industry.

Formnext Chicago 2025 Postponed: Due to an unfavorable schedule and the challenging situation of the AM industry, Formnext Chicago will not take place in 2025 and has been postponed.