Top 10 Companies in the Waterborne Two-component Polyurethane Coating Market (2026): Innovations Driving Sustainable Surface Solutions

In Business Insights
January 28, 2026


The Global Waterborne Two-component Polyurethane Coating Market is a critical segment within the broader coatings industry, valued at approximately US$ 5.86 Billion in 2023. It is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2024 to 2030, reaching an estimated US$ 8.45 Billion by the end of the forecast period. This robust growth is primarily fueled by stringent environmental regulations targeting Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions, increasing demand for durable and high-performance coatings across automotive, industrial, and construction sectors, and a strong global push towards sustainable manufacturing practices.

As industries worldwide prioritize eco-friendly solutions without compromising on performance, the key players in the waterborne 2K PU coatings market are at the forefront of innovation. These companies are developing advanced formulations that offer superior chemical resistance, weatherability, and aesthetic appeal, all while significantly reducing the environmental footprint. In this analysis, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Waterborne Two-component Polyurethane Coating Industry—a dynamic mix of global chemical giants and specialized innovators shaping the future of surface protection.

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🔟 1. Akzo Nobel N.V.

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: AWLCOAT®, Interpon®, Sikkens® waterborne 2K PU systems

Akzo Nobel is a global leader in paints and coatings, with a formidable portfolio in waterborne technologies. Its expertise in 2K polyurethane systems is evident in brands like Sikkens for automotive refinishes and Interpon for powder coatings, with a growing focus on waterborne variants for industrial applications. The company invests heavily in R&D to enhance the performance and sustainability of its coating solutions.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Pioneering low-VOC and VOC-free coating technologies.
  • Committed to 100% renewable electricity and carbon neutrality across operations.
  • Active development of bio-based raw materials for polyol and isocyanate components.

9️⃣ 2. PPG Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: PPG ENVIROCRON®, AQUACRON® waterborne 2K PU coatings

PPG is a premier global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials. Its waterborne 2K PU coatings are widely used in automotive OEM, aerospace, and general industrial markets. PPG’s R&D focuses on improving application properties, drying times, and final film performance to meet the most demanding specifications.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Launch of next-generation waterborne technologies with enhanced durability and faster cure profiles.
  • Strategic acquisitions to bolster sustainable coating offerings and technological capabilities.
  • Focus on circular economy principles, including recyclable packaging and waste reduction.

8️⃣ 3. The Sherwin-Williams Company

Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Sher-Wood® Waterborne, Kem Aqua® waterborne 2K PU systems

Sherwin-Williams is one of the world’s largest developers and distributors of coating products. Its waterborne two-component polyurethane lines are renowned for their exceptional performance in protective and marine coatings, as well as in architectural and wood finishing applications, offering a sustainable alternative to solvent-borne systems.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Extensive portfolio of GreenGuard-certified and LEED-contributing products.
  • Investment in R&D for high-solids and waterborne technologies to minimize environmental impact.
  • Global supply chain optimization to reduce carbon footprint.

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Waterborne Two-component Polyurethane Coating Market – View in Detailed Research Report


7️⃣ 4. Axalta Coating Systems

Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Imron® Elite, AquaEC™ waterborne 2K PU coatings

Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings, providing advanced solutions for the transportation and industrial sectors. Its waterborne 2K PU products are engineered for superior color matching, gloss retention, and corrosion protection, making them a preferred choice for commercial vehicle and industrial equipment manufacturers.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of sustainable coating systems that reduce energy consumption during curing.
  • Commitment to reducing waste and VOC emissions across its product lifecycle.
  • Collaboration with customers to develop custom low-VOC solutions.

6️⃣ 5. Covestro AG

Headquarters: Leverkusen, Germany
Key Offering: Bayhydrol® (polyols), Bayhydur® (isocyanates) for waterborne 2K PU systems

Covestro is a world-leading supplier of high-performance polymer materials, including the essential raw materials for waterborne polyurethane coatings. Its Bayhydrol and Bayhydur product lines are fundamental components used by formulators worldwide to create durable, low-emission coatings for various substrates.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Pioneering the use of alternative raw materials, including bio-based and CO2-based feedstock (e.g., cardyon® technology).
  • Focus on cradle-to-cradle design and circular economy models for coating materials.
  • Global initiatives for climate-neutral production processes.

5️⃣ 6. BASF SE (through its Coatings division)

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Relius® Waterborne 2K PU Coatings, Glasurit® lines

BASF’s coating division is a major force in developing innovative and sustainable coating solutions. Its waterborne 2K PU products are designed for a wide array of applications, from automotive coatings to industrial wood and metal protection, emphasizing performance that meets or exceeds solvent-borne alternatives.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Strong R&D focus on bio-based polyols and recyclable coating systems.
  • Integrated value chain approach to minimize environmental impact from production to application.
  • Development of digital tools to optimize coating application and reduce material waste.

4️⃣ 7. Jotun A/S

Headquarters: Sandefjord, Norway
Key Offering: Jotacote® Universal, Hardtop® AS waterborne 2K PU systems

Jotun is a leading international producer of paints, coatings, and powder coatings. The company’s waterborne two-component polyurethane offerings are particularly strong in the protective and marine sectors, providing long-lasting corrosion protection with a significantly reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional epoxy or solvent-borne PU systems.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Development of coatings that contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of assets over their lifetime.
  • Implementation of stringent internal sustainability targets for product development.
  • Global leader in antifouling and protective coatings with a focus on waterborne technology.

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Waterborne Two-component Polyurethane Coating Market – View in Detailed Research Report


3️⃣ 8. Hempel A/S

Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Key Offering: Hempadur Aqua®, Hempathane® Aqua waterborne 2K PU coatings

Hempel is a global supplier of decorative, protective, and marine coatings. Its waterborne two-component polyurethane products are engineered for heavy-duty industrial and marine environments, offering excellent resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and UV radiation while complying with the strictest VOC regulations.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Ambitious sustainability strategy, “Futureproof,” focusing on leading the industry towards a more sustainable future.
  • Investment in R&D to double the lifetime of coatings and halve the customer’s carbon footprint tied to maintenance.
  • Extensive product range certified by recognized environmental standards.

2️⃣ 9. RPM International Inc. (Carboline, Tremco)

Headquarters: Medina, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Waterborne 2K PU coatings under Carboline, Tremco, and other subsidiary brands

RPM International is a multinational holding company with subsidiaries that are leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, and building materials. Companies like Carboline specialize in high-performance industrial maintenance coatings, offering advanced waterborne 2K PU systems that protect infrastructure in demanding environments.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Focus on developing coatings that extend asset life and reduce the total cost of ownership.
  • Commitment to sustainable product innovation through its MAP 2025 growth and operational improvement plan.
  • Expansion of low-VOC and environmentally preferred product lines across all subsidiaries.

1️⃣ 10. Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: KSP Aqua P.U., Protecno™ waterborne 2K PU coatings

Kansai Paint is a major global paint and coating manufacturer with a significant presence in automotive and industrial coatings. The company has developed sophisticated waterborne 2K PU technologies that provide outstanding finish quality and durability for automotive OEMs, industrial equipment, and consumer electronics.

Sustainability & Innovation Initiatives:

  • Advanced R&D in nano-hybrid and other technologies to enhance the performance of waterborne coatings.
  • Strong focus on the Asian market, driving adoption of environmentally compliant coating systems.
  • Development of integrated coating processes that reduce energy and material consumption.

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Waterborne Two-component Polyurethane Coating Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Waterborne 2K PU Coatings Is Performance-Driven and Sustainable

The waterborne two-component polyurethane coating market is experiencing a paradigm shift. While performance characteristics like hardness, flexibility, and chemical resistance remain paramount, the imperative for sustainability is reshaping product development and customer preferences. The industry is rapidly advancing towards formulations that offer the best of both worlds.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Regulatory Acceleration: Globally, tightening VOC regulations (e.g., EU’s Paints Directive, China’s Blue Sky Initiative) are mandating the shift from solvent-borne to waterborne systems, creating a massive substitution market.
  • Technological Convergence: Integration of nanotechnology, hybrid polymer systems (e.g., polyurethane-acrylics, polyurethane-epoxies), and smart additives is enhancing waterborne 2K PU performance to rival, and sometimes exceed, traditional coatings.
  • Bio-based Material Adoption: Increased R&D into bio-based polyols derived from vegetable oils, sugars, and other renewable resources is reducing the carbon footprint of coating formulations.
  • Application Efficiency: Development of coatings with faster drying times, lower temperature cure capabilities, and improved application properties (e.g., sag resistance, leveling) is driving adoption in cost-sensitive and high-throughput industries.

The companies profiled above are not only leading the market in terms of revenue and volume—they are the primary innovators, driving the technological advancements that will define the next generation of sustainable, high-performance surface protection. Their continued investment in R&D and commitment to sustainability ensures that waterborne two-component polyurethane coatings will play an increasingly vital role in a greener industrial future.

Get Full Report Here:
Waterborne Two-component Polyurethane Coating Market – View in Detailed Research Report