Launch of the Coatings Group: Fipec strengthens collective organization in the face of sector challenges

This new impetus responds to an urgent need expressed by industrialists in the sector to have stronger representation and a structured framework for exchanges.

A sector in full transformation

The French market is undergoing a major transition phase. Despite a general decline in the construction sector (-4% in 2024), coatings—the most common technical solution for coating masonry elements and preparing surfaces before painting—must address several challenges: the rise of bio-sourced solutions, tightening regulatory constraints, and heightened expectations in terms of sustainability.

Innovation is key, particularly promoting the emergence of new formulations that allow a 40% weight reduction compared to traditional solutions, or the development of bio-sourced coatings, meeting environmental requirements. This dynamic is, however, accompanied by unprecedented regulatory complexity, affecting, for example, certain fillers such as PSLT (Poorly Soluble Low Toxicity) substances.

A collective response to the expectations of manufacturers

For Hadrien Berny, R&D Manager at Beissier, elected president of the Group: "This group embodies a strong collective desire to structure our profession and give it greater visibility, in order to respond to the regulatory and environmental challenges facing coating manufacturers. Assuming its presidency is a responsibility that I take on with conviction, and I sincerely thank those who have placed their trust in me."

The manufacturers have identified four major priorities: obtaining better representation and visibility of the profession, having a dedicated space for exchange, pooling their forces to better defend their common interests, and collectively defining a framework of good sectoral practices.

The members of the Groupement Enduits bring together key players in the sector: Beissier, Comus, Cromology Etex France Building Performance, ICP Alltek, Semin, Sofec, Strema and Toupret.

Priorities and first files

The Group is organized around four strategic axes: standardization to clarify the normative scope of coating families, harmonization of environmental practices, particularly via FDES, support for the development of bio-sourced solutions in the face of growing demand, and consolidation of sectoral statistical indicators.

Regulatory monitoring, an essential underlying factor in a context marked by changes in substance classifications and increasing constraints, adapts, from the outset, to the needs of the Group.

For Gilles Richard, General Delegate of Fipec: “With the revision of the RPC published at the end of 2024, the rise of bio-sourced materials – which already represent 28 million m² implemented annually – and the new regulatory constraints, our sector needs consolidated coordination to anticipate and adapt to market developments.”

Towards strengthened governance to serve the sector

For Guillaume Fremaux, President of SIPEV: “Bringing together key players in the regional economy, the launch of the Groupement Enduits marks a key step in Fipec’s ability to adapt to the new expectations of its members and strengthen its presence and influence in the industrial debate.”

With this initiative, the Federation affirms its ambition to more broadly integrate trades close to its historical activities, such as paints and adhesives, thus creating a broader space for dialogue and coordination. This dynamic also reflects Fipec's desire to open up to all stakeholders in the sector, both companies and organizations, at a time when, more than ever, unity is strength.

Fipec and its partners are fully mobilized to support the sector in its future challenges.