Jakarta. The paint and coatings industry in Indonesia should move towards sustainability. Sustainability should be considered as a must, a necessity, and a responsibility rather than just an option. In that regard, sustainability cannot rely only on the industry or several developed countries. The entire paint and coatings sector, starting from suppliers and distributors to end-users, needs momentum to talk about green and responsible industries. 

One such opportunity is the Asia Pacific Coating Show (APCS) exhibition and conference. APCS is held annually as a melting pot for paint and coating industry players. In 2024, it was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from Sept. 11–13. The event brought together more than 230 brands and thousands of paint and coating industry players from 15 countries. These stakeholders share the latest technologies, products, and innovations, establish business relationships, and discuss market education on sustainability.

Sustainability in The Paint and Coatings Industry

Sustainability is one of the most important themes to be put on the table. It is related to the increasing ecological awareness globally. On that matter, there is a demand for products that not only excel in quality but also minimize environmental damage. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) released a report that Indonesia’s Industrial Production Index increased significantly from 2014-2024. In line with UNIDO, the Growth Market Reports predicts that the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) will increase by 5.68 percent by 2031. This will be followed by projected growth in other sectors, including the paint and coatings industry. 

Sustainable growth potential occurs when brands can demonstrate efficiency and sustainability efforts in their production. Such efficiency and sustainability efforts can be effectively communicated to the market, building a strong brand reputation while attracting a sustainability-conscious market.  

Lia Sidik PhD, one of the seminar speakers at the Asia Pacific Coating Show, explained in her presentation, “Sustainability is an effort to balance profit, people, and planet (3P). The paint and coatings industry needs to generate revenue and profits while ensuring the welfare of workers, supporting communities, and minimizing environmental damage.” 

A clear example is what PT MATARAM PAINT has done through the construction of a new factory designed to be more environmentally friendly. PT MATARAM PAINT is a company that has been established for more than 70 years. Its best-selling product, EMCO wood and iron paint, has won various awards, such as the Indonesia Digital Popular Brand Award, Indonesia Original Brand Award, and Indonesia Living Legend Brands. The awards are a result of PT MATARAM PAINT's commitment that the paint and coatings industry can grow across generations.

Moving The Indonesian Market Towards Sustainability

The Center for International Earth Science Information Network, Columbia University's report on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 2024 shows that sustainability awareness in Indonesia is still low. Indonesia ranks 162 of 180 countries in the world, and 20th out of 25 countries in Asia-Pacific. This ranking should be seen as an evaluation to increase ecological awareness through sustainability education. Therefore, there is a need to expand the sustainability market (educating and selling) in Indonesia.

The APCS-initiated event is not only a product showcase, but also an education for sustainability transformation in the way the industry operates. The paint and coatings industry in Asia-Pacific can strengthen its commitment to environmental protection with a focus on sustainability. Through proper education and access to the latest technology, the Indonesian market is expected to become more aware of minimizing the carbon footprint for sustainable living.