What drives a seasoned R&D leader to leave a major multinational and reshape digital formulation? In the latest episode of the European Coatings Podcast, editor Yeray Lopez is joined by Nick Talken, CEO and co-founder of software provider Albert Invent, to discuss the digital evolution of laboratory environments in the coatings industry.

How will Carlyle's massive €7.7 billion acquisition of BASF's automotive and industrial coatings division reshape the global coatings landscape—and what does it mean for smaller market players? In the latest episode of the European Coatings Podcast, host Yeray Arauco sits down with private equity and M&S expert Alex Comanita to dissect the ramifications of this landmark transaction.

Why has the replacement of Cobalt driers proven to be such a persistent technical challenge for the coatings industry? In the latest episode of the European Coatings Podcast, editor Yeray Arauco speaks with Dr. Andrew Mason, R&D and technical expert at EGE Kimya, about the complex journey of phasing out Cobalt from alkyd formulations.   

How has the European coatings industry navigated a year of intense macroeconomic pressure, and which companies are bucking the trend of revenue decline? In the latest episode of the European Coatings Podcast, editor Yeray Arauco is joined by Damir Gagro, editor at European Coatings, to dissect the newly released Top 25 rankings.

In the latest episode of the European Coatings Podcast, editor Yeray Arauco speaks with Tom Bowtell, CEO of the BCF, about the association's role, the current market situation and the critical issues of regulation and raw materials.

Link to the video: https://youtu.be/6LarlioQ2wA 

In this episode of the European Coatings Podcast, Yeray Arauco talks to AkzoNobel experts Dr. Jitte Flapper and Job Coenen about balancing carbon footprint, durability and cost. Dr. Jitte Flapper leads the Expertise Center Formulation & Analytical Science in AkzoNobel's R&D organisation in the Netherlands, focusing on more sustainable paints and academic collaboration. Job Coenen, Senior Program Manager Sustainability at AkzoNobel, drives the decarbonisation of the global portfolio and represents the company in international sustainability networks. From life-cycle thinking per square metre to BREEAM and embodied carbon, the discussion explores how sustainability is measured in practice. They examine key footprint drivers such as titanium dioxide and binders, bio-based raw material limits and the rise of the mass balance approach.

In this special episode, we talk with Stahl's CEO, Maarten Heijbroek, about the company's groundbreaking acquisition by Henkel.  Get exclusive, behind-the-scenes details of the deal and the personal story behind the announcement.  Heijbroek breaks down the strategic synergy between Stahl's coatings and Henkel's adhesives.  The discussion covers the future of innovation, prospects for employees, and the growing role of AI.  Gain insight into one of the industry's biggest shifts and the shared vision for the journey ahead.

New Year, same podcast!  We enter the year 2026 talking with Alex Comanita chatting about the deal between Covestro and ADNOC, one of the biggest market moves in the last months of 2025.  What does this deal mean for innovation, sustainability and the competitive dynamics of the chemical industry? Could it signal a broader trend of Middle Eastern investors reshaping the sector?  Don't forget to like and follow the podcast to stay connected!

What happens when one of the oldest names in chemistry joins forces with a major American coatings powerhouse? In this episode, Yeray López sits down with Alex Comanita to unpack the $25 billion merger between Akzo Nobel and Axalta, a move that could reshape the global coatings map. From Akzo Nobel's centuries‑old legacy to the strategic thinking behind this merger of equals, the discussion explores cost and revenue synergies, global reach, and the cultural challenges of combining two corporate giants. But it's not all about the big players. Comanita also highlights what these megadeals mean for small and medium‑sized enterprises, how they can stay innovative, and why specialization might be their strongest path forward.