Global Polyurethane for glass coating Production, key Producers and Capacity Analysis, (2024 – 2030)

Who are the top ten producers of Polyurethane for glass coating globally

1. Akzo Nobel N.V.

Akzo Nobel is a global leader in polyurethane for glass coating production, offering high-performance solutions through its performance coatings division. With manufacturing facilities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, Akzo Nobel maintains a large-scale polyurethane production capacity tailored to both solvent- and water-based coatings. The company specializes in clear, glossy, and UV-resistant polyurethane systems that adhere strongly to glass surfaces, making them suitable for decorative and functional applications.

Its target markets include the automotive industry for OEM glass coatings, architectural glass used in facades and curtain walls, and industrial glass such as structural panels. Akzo Nobel also targets high-end interior design and furniture applications where clarity and durability are essential.

2. The Sherwin-Williams Company

Sherwin-Williams is one of the largest coatings producers globally, with a robust polyurethane production infrastructure that supports both protective and decorative coatings for glass. The company manufactures polyurethane systems optimized for weather resistance, scratch protection, and color retention. Its production capacity spans North America, Europe, and expanding Asian markets, ensuring scalable supply to industrial clients.

Key target segments include construction glass for windows, doors, and skylights, automotive aftermarket glass treatments, and specialty commercial glazing systems. Sherwin-Williams also serves glass processors and fabricators that demand high-performance coatings for customized solutions.

3. PPG Industries, Inc.

PPG Industries is a leading global producer of polyurethane coatings for glass substrates. Known for its extensive R&D investment, PPG offers tailored PU solutions, including scratch-resistant, anti-reflective, and high-clarity coatings for both flat and curved glass. The company’s production capacity includes advanced blending and resin synthesis facilities across multiple continents.

PPG targets sectors such as automotive glazing, smart and display glass, architectural flat glass, and mirror manufacturing. The company partners with glass OEMs, glazing system integrators, and electronics firms to supply specialized coatings for performance-critical glass applications.

4. Axalta Coating Systems

Axalta is renowned for high-performance polyurethane coatings, particularly within the automotive and industrial coatings segments. It offers polyurethane for glass coating production with emphasis on durability, adhesion, and weather resistance. Axalta operates multiple global production sites capable of meeting demand across continents, especially in North America and Europe.

Target markets include automotive OEM glass components such as windshields and windows, commercial and public transportation glass, and industrial glass panels for infrastructure. The company also supports specialty applications such as solar energy glass and protective glass films.

5. BASF SE

BASF is a major chemical producer with an extensive polyurethane product portfolio, including polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) suitable for coating glass substrates. These water-based systems are engineered for applications requiring low VOC emissions, high scratch resistance, and strong adhesion to glass surfaces. BASF’s production capacity includes large-scale chemical synthesis plants in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

BASF targets composite glass fiber markets, decorative glass finishes, automotive and architectural glazing, and electronics enclosures using glass panels. The company’s PUD technology is especially favored in regions with strict environmental regulations.

6. Jotun

Jotun, while primarily known for marine and protective coatings, also develops polyurethane coatings applicable to industrial and architectural glass. Its products are used in environments demanding corrosion and weather resistance. Jotun’s polyurethane for glass coating production focuses on solvent-based systems with a growing emphasis on eco-friendly alternatives.

The company has a global manufacturing network with facilities in the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Its target segments include glass used in building exteriors, coastal infrastructure, high-rise glazing systems, and energy-efficient window panels.

7. Covestro AG

Covestro, a former division of Bayer, specializes in advanced polyurethane raw materials and systems, including coatings used for glass surfaces. The company produces prepolymers and polyurethane dispersions that form the base of many glass coating formulations. Covestro’s global polyurethane production capacity includes large plants in Germany, China, and the United States.

Covestro serves industries such as consumer electronics, architectural glass, photovoltaic panels, and automotive glass. Its high-performance resins are designed to provide transparency, flexibility, and chemical resistance, particularly for glass in electronic touch interfaces and screens.

8. Allnex

Allnex is a specialist in coating resins, particularly polyurethane-based resins for high-performance applications. The company offers radiation-curable and water-based polyurethane systems tailored to glass substrates requiring optical clarity and scratch resistance. With over 30 manufacturing sites and global R&D centers, Allnex maintains significant production capacity for the glass coatings market.

Its primary target markets include display glass for consumer electronics, smart mirrors, decorative architectural glass, and specialty UV-resistant coatings for automotive applications. Allnex is also a major supplier to regional converters and contract coaters in Asia and Europe.

9. Huntsman Corporation

Huntsman produces a wide range of polyurethane materials, including coating systems formulated for glass surfaces. The company specializes in aliphatic polyurethane dispersions that offer excellent transparency, UV stability, and abrasion resistance. Huntsman’s global manufacturing footprint supports high-volume polyurethane for glass coating production.

Target sectors include electronics and touch display glass, automotive glazing systems, safety and protective glass applications, and optical lenses. Huntsman is known for collaborating with OEMs and designers to create bespoke coating systems that meet functional and regulatory demands.

10. C&E Limited (India)

C&E Limited is a regional leader in polyurethane dispersions and specialty coating materials, focusing heavily on glass applications. Its polyurethane for glass coating production includes water-based dispersions such as PUTHANE and other high-performance emulsions suitable for glass fiber and decorative glass.

Production capacity is scaled for flexible batch manufacturing with a strong presence in India and Southeast Asia. The company targets markets such as composite glass fiber reinforcements, interior decorative glass coatings, and industrial glass components. C&E Limited also serves the growing automotive retrofit market in Asia-Pacific.

Top five largest Polyurethane for glass coating producing countries globally

1. China

China is the largest producer of polyurethane coatings globally, including polyurethane for glass coating production. With its vast chemical manufacturing base, China holds a significant share in global polyurethane production capacity. Major cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Tianjin host extensive industrial parks dedicated to chemical processing and coatings manufacturing.

China’s polyurethane for glass coating production serves both domestic demand and export markets. The country supports a strong downstream industry in automotive, construction, solar energy, and electronics—all of which rely on coated glass. Local producers as well as multinational giants like BASF, Covestro, and PPG have invested heavily in Chinese facilities to increase production capacity.

2. United States

The United States ranks second globally in polyurethane for glass coating production. Home to major chemical and coatings companies such as Sherwin-Williams, PPG Industries, Axalta, and Huntsman, the U.S. has a long-standing industrial base for polyurethane chemistry.

American manufacturers focus on high-performance glass coatings, especially for automotive OEM, defense, aerospace, and high-end construction markets. With advanced R&D and strong environmental compliance systems, U.S. producers are leaders in waterborne polyurethane coatings and polyurethane dispersions (PUDs). Production capacity is centered in states like Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana.

3. Germany

Germany is Europe’s largest producer of polyurethane coatings, including those specifically developed for glass substrates. The country is known for its innovation in specialty chemicals and engineering-grade polymers. German companies such as BASF and Covestro drive significant polyurethane for glass coating production through extensive facilities and R&D hubs.

Germany’s polyurethane coating production capacity is aimed at high-precision applications, including automotive glazing, building glass, and optical glass used in electronics. Strict quality control standards and regulatory frameworks contribute to Germany’s reputation for producing durable, eco-friendly glass coatings.

4. India

India is emerging as a key producer of polyurethane for glass coating production, driven by rapid industrialization and demand from automotive, construction, and infrastructure sectors. While the country’s overall polyurethane production capacity is still growing, regional producers like C&E Limited have specialized in water-based polyurethane dispersions for glass applications.

India's polyurethane industry is increasingly supported by domestic chemical producers and contract manufacturers who cater to local fabricators and regional exporters. The government’s “Make in India” initiative and growing investment in industrial coatings further accelerate production growth.

5. South Korea

South Korea plays a critical role in polyurethane for glass coating production, especially in the electronics and display glass industries. With companies like LG Chem and SKC involved in specialty chemical manufacturing, South Korea produces high-purity polyurethane systems for ultra-thin and flexible glass substrates.

The country’s production capacity is focused on innovation-driven sectors such as OLED displays, smart devices, and solar panels. South Korea’s polyurethane coatings for glass often involve UV-curable and nano-engineered systems for scratch resistance and transparency.

Polyurethane for glass coating production trends

1. Growth in Water-Based and Low-VOC Polyurethane Systems

One of the most notable trends in polyurethane for glass coating production is the shift toward water-based polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) coatings. Increasing environmental regulations in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia have pushed producers to reduce solvent content in their formulations. Water-based systems offer excellent adhesion to glass and are increasingly used in indoor applications, such as decorative glass, furniture panels, and mirrors, where air quality and safety are critical.

2. UV-Curable Polyurethane Coatings

UV-curable polyurethane coatings are gaining popularity in high-speed manufacturing environments. These coatings provide excellent surface hardness, optical clarity, and scratch resistance after a rapid curing process under ultraviolet light. The electronics and display industries, particularly in countries like South Korea, Japan, and China, have adopted UV-curable polyurethane coatings for smartphone screens, tablet covers, and OLED displays. The ability to reduce energy consumption and increase throughput has made UV-curing technology a preferred choice in precision applications.

3. Integration with Smart and Functional Glass

Another trend in polyurethane for glass coating production is the integration of coatings with smart and functional glass technologies. Coatings are now being developed not just for protection, but to enhance the performance of glass in areas such as heat insulation, light modulation, and anti-reflection. Some polyurethane coatings are formulated with embedded nanoparticles or conductive agents to support functionalities like self-cleaning surfaces, anti-glare performance, and even touchscreen responsiveness. This trend is driving demand for highly specialized polyurethane systems with precise chemical and physical properties.

4. Rising Demand in Emerging Markets

Emerging markets such as India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa are contributing to the expansion of polyurethane for glass coating production. Growing construction activity, urban development, and vehicle manufacturing in these regions are fueling demand for coated glass in windows, facades, windscreens, and solar panels. Local producers are scaling up polyurethane production capacity, while multinational corporations are establishing new facilities or forming joint ventures to tap into these growing markets.

5. Advanced Coating Techniques and Automation

Advancements in application technology, including spray coating, dip coating, and roll-to-roll coating methods, are improving the efficiency and consistency of polyurethane coatings on glass. Automation and robotics in industrial settings are further enhancing productivity and quality control. Coating lines are now capable of handling ultra-thin and complex glass geometries, broadening the range of applications for polyurethane-based systems.