The many facets of sustainability in steel coatings

Published 2 June 2025

Sustainability is a word that is used throughout the world and across industries. In the simplest terms, it means using resources responsibly to minimize harm to the environment and ensure the availability of resources for future generations. However, this simple definition does not do this important subject justice or fully capture the whole picture of what sustainability actually looks like in practice. 

When it comes to steel coatings and sustainability, CoatingsPro Magazine turned to leading subject matter experts (SMEs) to offer a well-rounded discussion that delves into topics such as what defines sustainable coatings, regulatory standards, the comprehensive benefits of sustainable coatings, innovations in the industry, and future trends and developments. The purpose of this discussion is to look at sustainability as a whole, with the understanding that there are many complex facets to this issue as it pertains to the steel coatings industry. 

Sustainability's roots

Today's focus on sustainability has roots in the United Nation's (UN) 17 sustainable development goals. These goals, part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, were adopted in 2015 by all UN member states and grew out of global partnerships dating back to 1992. The sustainable development goals range from no poverty (goal 1) and zero hunger (goal 2) to industry, innovation and infrastructure (goal 9), sustainable cities and communities (goal 11), and responsible consumption and production (goal 12). While the member nations work to achieve these lofty goals by 2030, the coatings industry is making advances in tandem that minimize waste during production of materials and application and increase safety. These innovations support goals 9, 11, and 12, and indirectly support others.

The UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. Many new developments in the coatings industry are in harmony with these goals, especially goals 9, 11, and 12. This image is republished from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment. The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations, its officials, or Member States.

What makes a steel coating sustainable?

The answer to this question is multi-faceted and, according to industry experts, one that will continue to evolve along with global standards and overall sustainability goals and targets. 

Raj: “At PPG, we define sustainably advantaged products using our internal methodology that validates product attributes and their contribution toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. While many of our products have sustainable attributes in their end-use that promote longevity of customer assets, we consider products sustainably advantaged when they contribute to improved environmental outcomes or provide relative improvements over industry benchmarks."

Leading the way

When it comes to the use of sustainable coatings for steel substrates, several markets have led the way, adopting practices that other industries can follow. A leading adopter of sustainable coatings is the modular construction of the advanced manufacturing sector (e.g., semiconductor facilities, electric vehicle battery plants, and data centers), with its demanding timelines and sustainability goals. 

Raj: “Transporting modular components involves various factors like cost, weight, and distance, which expose steel assets to stressors, such as temperature changes, humidity, and handling damage. Using assets that are shipped pre-coated can help reduce logistical expenses and environmental impact, potentially leading to reduced cost and emissions."

Innovations in sustainable coatings 

Regardless of the market or industry sector, technological innovations and improvements are resulting in the use of sustainable coatings becoming more widespread. 

Raj: “Intumescent coatings and steel coatings with enhanced corrosion resistance are two other important innovations when it comes to sustainability. Intumescent coatings are reactive fire protection materials that are applied in thin films and expand to form an insulating char around steel frames when exposed to high temperatures. This helps to increase the time for occupant evacuation in the event of a fire and results in a more durable structure. Enhanced corrosion resistance systems are designed for severe environments (ISO 12944 C5) and can eliminate the need for a topcoat, reducing materials and application steps and making the application process faster and less resource-intensive.”

Looking to the future 

If there is one thing that the SMEs made clear about steel coatings and sustainability, it is that although sustainability is a multi-faceted and complex topic, it is of critical importance now and in the future. To wrap up this discussion of steel coating and sustainability, here are some final thoughts from each of the SMEs regarding the critical role of sustainability in the steel coatings industry.

Raj: “Advanced coatings are reshaping how asset owners, engineers, and specifiers approach long-term protection. Coatings are being designed for faster curing, fewer coats, and efficient application. Combined with plural-component spray technologies, these systems support faster project turnaround with reduced waste and resources.”

Answers by Anurag Raj, Customer Sustainability Business Partner, Protective and Marine Coatings at PPG

Originally published in CoatingsPro Magazine.