HZ info, Editor's Note: Keeping pace with industry developments and empowering practitioners to strategically plan ahead, HZ info launches the special feature "Foresee 2026: Dialogues with Chief Engineers, Insights into the Future." 

Beyond macro-level data to directly engage with frontline technology R&D and application, we have interviewed chief engineers or senior experts across specialized segments. Together, they help practitioners outline the technological landscape and market opportunities for the coatings industry in 2026.

Featured Focus: Automotive Refinishing Coatings

Interviewee: He Chuanhua

Dr. He Chuanhua hasdedicated to the automotive non-metallic materials R&D and application for over two decades, focus ondirections such as low-temperature curing, digitalization and automation of color formulation development.

Dr. He consistently promotes the green and intelligent upgrading of automotive refinish coatings, holding over twenty international and domestic patents, published academic papers, and monographs. Currently serving as PPG's Director of Technology & Color Science, Asia Pacific, for the Automotive Refinish, Commercial Transportation & Industrial business units.

Low-Temperature Fast Curing

Dr. He noteslow-temperature fast curing is the key technology with the greatest breakthrough potential in the automotive refinish.

Low-temperature fast curing can significantly reduce the curing temperature and time required for coatings. This not only substantially lowers carbon emissions, supporting the green and low-carbon development, but also improves efficiency in refinish workshops. It fundamentally solves common industry problems associated with traditional refinish curing, such as high energy consumption, long cycle times, and application limitations.

All-Water-based Systems

Based on end-market demands, Dr. He predicts that all-water-based coatings systems for automotive refinish will be broader adoption.

Outstanding safety, environmental friendliness, and low-VOCs, all-water-based refinish systems are transitioning from being policy-driven to becoming a market-driven choice. They are emerging as the mainstream direction for upgrading and replacing traditional products. The concepts of environmental protection and low carbon also align closely with the development trends of new energy vehicles and green after-sales maintenance services.

Digitalization and Automation

Facing a new wave of transformation in the industry, Dr. He offers clear advice to practitioners.

Digitalization and automation are deeply penetrating every aspect of the value chain, from coatings formulation development and color matching to application. The future is no longer an era of simply competing based on material and color experience alone. While industry professionals must continue to solidify their foundation in materials science, color theory, and application expertise, mastering and utilizing digital tools will become a core competency for adapting to the competitive landscape of 2026 and achieving personal and corporate advancement.