The Global Solvent-free Primer Market was valued at USD 2.85 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 4.12 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This growth is being driven by stringent environmental regulations, increasing demand for low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) coatings, and the accelerating adoption of sustainable construction and manufacturing practices across architecture, marine, and industrial sectors.
As the global coatings industry pivots towards safer, more environmentally responsible products, the focus intensifies on the key manufacturers developing high-performance, solvent-free alternatives. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Solvent-free Primer Industry—a mix of chemical giants, specialty coaters, and sustainability innovators shaping the future of protective and decorative coatings.
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🔟 1. AkzoNobel N.V.
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Epoxy primers, Polyurethane coatings, Sustainable solutions
AkzoNobel is a global leader in paints and coatings, with a strong portfolio of solvent-free primers under brands like International and Sikkens. The company serves the marine, protective, and industrial markets with high-performance, low-environmental-impact products.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Ambition to achieve 100% renewable electricity and carbon neutrality in operations
- Development of the “Sustainable Portfolio” with over 30% of revenue from eco-premium solutions
- Continuous R&D into bio-based and circular raw materials for coatings
9️⃣ 2. PPG Industries, Inc.
Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: PPG HI-TEMP 100% solids epoxy, PSX 700 silicone epoxy hybrid
PPG Industries is a major force in the coatings sector, offering a wide range of solvent-free primers designed for extreme conditions in the industrial, marine, and automotive industries.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Commitment to 50% of sales from sustainably advantaged products by 2030
- Investment in water-based and powder coating technologies to replace solvent-borne systems
- PPG COPPERSHIELD® CG anti-fouling system for marine vessels
8️⃣ 3. The Sherwin-Williams Company
Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Macropoxy 646, Polane 100% solids polyurethane, AquaGran waterproofing
Sherwin-Williams provides a comprehensive suite of solvent-free coating systems through its industrial, marine, and protective coatings divisions, focusing on durability and compliance with global VOC standards.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Extensive portfolio of GreenWise® certified low-VOC products
- Partnerships with industry bodies to advance sustainable coating standards
- Focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste in manufacturing
7️⃣ 4. Jotun A/S
Headquarters: Sandefjord, Norway
Key Offering: Jotamastic 100% solids epoxy, Penguard Express epoxy primer
Jotun is a leading global supplier of protective coatings, with a strong emphasis on solvent-free technologies for the marine and offshore industries. Their products are renowned for long-term corrosion protection and ease of application.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Hull Performance Solutions (HPS) to reduce vessel fuel consumption and emissions
- Target of 70% of R&D resources allocated to sustainability-focused innovation by 2025
- Development of the SeaQuantum® S-line of biocide-free antifouling coatings
6️⃣ 5. BASF SE
Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Baxxodur epoxy systems, Relius solvent-free floor coatings
As a major chemical company, BASF supplies high-performance raw materials and formulated solvent-free coating systems. Their expertise in epoxy and polyurethane chemistry is critical for demanding industrial and construction applications.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050
- Development of biomass-balanced products using renewable feedstocks
- Circular economy programs for coating waste and recycling
Download FREE Sample Report: Solvent-free Primer Market – View in Detailed Research Report
5️⃣ 6. Hempel A/S
Headquarters: Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Key Offering: Hempadur 100% solids epoxy, Hempathane polyurethane
Hempel specializes in protective coatings for the marine, offshore, and infrastructure sectors. The company is heavily invested in developing solvent-free solutions that offer superior protection while minimizing environmental impact.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Double Impact strategy aiming to double revenue while halving its customers’ carbon footprint by 2025
- Launch of Hempaguard X7, a groundbreaking antifouling technology
- Investment in R&D for bio-based raw materials and digital application tools
4️⃣ 7. Axalta Coating Systems
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Nap-Gard 100% solids epoxy, AquaEC acrylic ecoat
Axalta is a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings. Their industrial coatings division offers robust solvent-free primer systems designed for corrosion protection in challenging environments.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- 2024 Sustainability Report highlighting progress in reducing waste and emissions
- Expansion of sustainable product offerings, including low-temperature cure coatings
- Commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainable operations
3️⃣ 8. Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Alphaspar SF 100% solids epoxy, Sealfine waterproof coatings
Kansai Paint is a major Asian paint and coatings manufacturer with a growing portfolio of environmentally friendly products. Their solvent-free primers are widely used in automotive, marine, and industrial maintenance applications.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Development of paint recycling technology and systems
- Focus on water-based and high-solids coatings to reduce VOC emissions
- Participation in global sustainability initiatives and partnerships
2️⃣ 9. Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Nipsea 100% solids epoxy, Protec solvent-free floor coatings
Nippon Paint is one of the largest paint manufacturers in Asia, offering a diverse range of solvent-free solutions for architectural and industrial use. The company emphasizes technological innovation and environmental performance.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- Integration of sustainability into core business strategy and product development
- Investment in R&D for air-purifying and anti-viral coatings
- Commitment to reducing environmental impact across the supply chain
1️⃣ 10. RPM International Inc. (Carboline)
Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, USA (RPM)
Key Offering: Carboline 100% solids epoxy, Tremco waterproofing systems
Through its subsidiary Carboline, RPM International provides high-performance, solvent-free protective coatings for the industrial and infrastructure markets. Their products are engineered for severe corrosive environments.
Sustainability Initiatives:
- MAP 2025 growth strategy with a pillar focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
- Development of long-life coating systems that reduce maintenance frequency and resource use
- Focus on product stewardship and lifecycle assessment
Get Full Report Here: Solvent-free Primer Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Solvent-free Primers Is High-Performance and Eco-Conscious
The solvent-free primer market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional solvent-borne products still hold market share in certain niches, the industry is rapidly innovating with advanced resin technologies, application methods, and sustainable formulations to meet the demands of a greener economy.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
- Stricter global VOC regulations from the EPA, REACH, and other bodies
- Growing demand from the Asia-Pacific construction and marine industries
- R&D into bio-based epoxy and polyurethane resins
- Adoption of robotic and automated application technologies for 100% solids coatings
The companies listed above are not only protecting assets worldwide—they’re pioneering the sustainable transformation of the global coatings industry.
Get Full Report Here: Solvent-free Primer Market – View in Detailed Research Report
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