World Coatings Council Meeting Held in Istanbul The World Coatings Council (WCC) annual meeting took place in Istanbul on Wednesday, 15 March, hosted by BOSAD (Turkish Coatings Manufacturers Association). The joint meeting, bringing together leading representatives of the paints and coatings sector with a market volume of USD 164 billion, was sponsored by İKMİB (Istanbul Chemical Industry and Products Exporters Association). The joint meeting held at Istanbul Swissotel The Bosphorus on Wednesday, 15 March was attended by senior representatives from 11 different associations operating in many countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Spain, Germany and France.  

Global Coatings Sector Convenes in Istanbul on BOSAD's 20th Anniversary

The meeting opened with remarks from World Coatings Council Chairman Tom Bowtell, BOSAD Board Chairman Akın Akçalı and İKMİB Board Chairman Adil Pelister. In his opening remarks, World Coatings Council Chairman Tom Bowtell stated: "It is exciting to be here, in Istanbul, at the World Coatings Council's annual meeting. Today we are participating in this joint event with BOSAD. Being here in such a special year for Turkey, the 100th anniversary of the Republic and the 20th anniversary of BOSAD, is a particular honour," and thanked BOSAD Board Chairman Akın Akçalı. [caption id="attachment_150404" align="aligncenter"] BOSAD Board Chairman Akın Akçalı - World Coatings Council Board Chairman Tom Bowtell[/caption]

USD 1.4 Billion in Exports Achieved in 2022

BOSAD Board Chairman Akın Akçalı began his remarks by expressing his satisfaction at hosting this meeting in the 100th year of the Republic and the 20th year of BOSAD. In his remarks, Akçalı shared information about BOSAD and the Turkish paints market. Akçalı stated: "Looking at the Turkish paints market, Turkey's per capita paint consumption is 11 kilograms. We have 20 medium and large-scale paint manufacturers, with a total of 350 producers. We create direct and indirect employment for 300,000 people. We export to nearly 200 countries. In 2022, including raw materials, we achieved exports of USD 1.4 billion in total. Among the countries to which we export the most are Russia, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Iran and Egypt. In the construction sector, Turkey ranks 5th after the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy. When we look at electrostatic powder coatings and varnishes, we are among the top three in Europe," he said.

"Our Chemical Sector's Target for 2030 is to Exceed USD 50 Billion"

İKMİB Board Chairman Adil Pelister then took the floor. Adil Pelister began his remarks by thanking colleagues who did not withhold assistance for cities affected by the earthquake disaster. [caption id="attachment_150408" align="aligncenter"] İKMİB Board Chairman Adil Pelister (Right)[/caption] In his remarks, Pelister shared figures and targets regarding the Turkish chemical industry: "As of 2022, within the country's total exports of USD 254 billion, our chemical sector ranks first with USD 33.6 billion. Today it accounts for approximately 15% of the country's exports. By 2030, our chemical sector's target is to exceed USD 50 billion," he said. Throughout the joint meeting, leading industry figures from around the world and from Turkey made presentations. The meeting included presentations on important topics ranging from REACH to the global position of the coatings sector, and a panel was held under the title "Important Developments in the Global and Turkish Coatings Sector." Panel participants discussed sustainability, microplastics and global perspectives on restrictions on biocide use. Participants from leading industry companies followed the meeting with interest. The meeting concluded with a cocktail reception following closing remarks by World Coatings Council Chairman Tom Bowtell and BOSAD Board Chairman Akın Akçalı. About the World Coatings Council In 1992, the International Paint and Printing Ink Association (now the World Coatings Council) was established to improve communication in the coatings sector and coordinate industry policy on matters of international importance. The Council operates to enable the industry to fully discuss and analyse global outcomes while coordinating policy development on international matters affecting the industry. In 2005, the Council was granted NGO status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council, opening the way for it to highlight sector issues to the UN and governing bodies. In 2019, the name of the International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC) was changed to World Coatings Council. For more than thirty years, the World Coatings Council has worked on issues of international concern to the paints and printing inks industry, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and cooperation on the major problems and priorities facing the industry, and is recognised as a global voice for the industry. https://worldcoatingscouncil.org   About BOSAD BOSAD, the Turkish Coatings Manufacturers Association, began its professional establishment process in July 2003 with 8 founding members (Betek Boya San. Tic. A.Ş., ÇBS Boya San. Tic. A.Ş., DYO Boya Fabrikaları A.Ş., DYO Matbaa Mürekkepleri San. Tic. A.Ş., Jotun Boya San. Tic. A.Ş., Marshall Boya ve Vernik San. Tic. A.Ş., Meges Boya San. Tic. A.Ş., Polisan Kimya San. Tic. A.Ş., SG-Weber Yapı Kimyasalları San. Tic. A.Ş.) and completed its professional establishment process, comprising 78 member companies as of the end of 2022. It has achieved an important milestone with the participation share within the "National Coatings Industry" represented in the formal economy reaching 85%. Following its establishment, BOSAD has maintained a sector force defined as a "Professional Organisation" through its effective work. BOSAD's fundamental founding objective is to contribute to the development of Turkish coatings industry, increase national coatings consumption, offer modern and healthy products to consumers, position the sector as an exporting sector for the country's economy, and contribute on a sectoral basis to the ongoing EU integration process. http://bosad.org.tr