Paints and coatings manufacturers in the Middle East have officially launched Middle East Paints & Coatings Association (MEPCA) upon receiving the necessary government approvals.
Founding member companies include Akzo Nobel, Altakamol (Sheibani Group), Asian Paints, Axalta, Caparol Paints, Hempel, Jotun, National Paints, PPG, RAR Holding, and Kaizen Paints Middle East, with the backing and support from the World Coatings Council and Vincentz Network.
According to MEPCA, the association will focus on paints and coatings in all segments—adhesives and sealants, automotive refinish, coil, architectural/decorative, general industrial and OEM, marine, packaging and containers, powder, transportation, machinery, and wood.
MEPCA says that it seeks to be a voice of the industry, with the intention to “engage with industry stakeholders to facilitate their connection, share knowledge, improve business conditions, and contribute to the international dialogue.”
Analysts have estimated that the Middle East paints and coatings market is worth approximately $4.7 billion and could grow to as much as $7.500 billion by 2032. Approximately 75% of the regional demand comes from construction (decorative and protective) and marine coatings, and the rest is from OEM sector.
MEPCA says the Middle East paint and coatings industry supports region’s economic diversification by producing its products in the region and supplying most of its products to domestic markets.
Abubaker Sheibani, CEO of the Sheibani Group, will serve as the inaugural chairman of MEPCA.
“There is no shortage of paints and coatings expertise in our region of the world, and MEPCA will play an instrumental role in taking forward our future success,” Sheibani said. “We will work closely with regulators, producers, and industry experts to ensure our growth, continued business success, and the long-term sustainable development of our industry, starting a new era of cooperation.”
The MEPCA leadership team also includes Martin Rosocha, the managing director of Caparol Paints and vice chairman of MEPCA, and Jasbir Gill, the regional director of Akzo Nobel and treasurer of MEPCA.