The Global Water-Soluble Paints Market was valued at USD 63.58 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 88.92 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.9% during the forecast period (2023–2030). This robust expansion is primarily fueled by stringent environmental regulations like VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emission standards, rising consumer preference for eco-friendly products, and continuous advancements in polymer technology that enhance the performance of water-based formulations.

As the global coatings industry pivots decisively toward sustainability and lower environmental impact, the focus intensifies on the leading manufacturers who are pioneering water-soluble paint technologies. These companies are not just responding to regulatory pressures but are actively shaping the future of architectural, industrial, and automotive coatings. This blog profiles the Top 10 Companies in the Water-Soluble Paints Industry—a blend of multinational giants and specialized innovators defining the next era of high-performance, low-VOC coatings.

---

🔟 1. Akzo Nobel N.V.

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Key Offering: Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon water-based coatings

Akzo Nobel stands as a global powerhouse in paints and coatings, with a formidable portfolio of water-soluble products under its renowned brands. The company’s commitment to sustainability is embedded in its “People. Planet. Paint.” approach, driving innovation in low-VOC and VOC-free decorative and industrial coatings. Their R&D focuses on enhancing durability and application properties of water-based alternatives to compete with traditional solvent-borne paints.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Target of 100% sustainable sourcing of raw materials by 2030

• Pioneering carbon-neutral paint production initiatives

• Significant R&D investment in bio-based and circular raw materials

Download FREE Sample Report: 2023-2030 Global and Regional Water-Soluble Paints Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

9️⃣ 2. PPG Industries, Inc.

Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: PPG Aquaguard, SPEEDHIDE, COMEX water-based paints

PPG is a leading global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials, with a strong emphasis on water-based technology across its architectural and industrial segments. The company actively develops advanced acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane dispersions that offer superior corrosion protection and weatherability, making them viable for demanding applications previously dominated by solvent-based systems.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• 40% of sales from sustainably advantaged products

• Investment in low-temperature cure and energy-efficient coating technologies

---

8️⃣ 3. The Sherwin-Williams Company

Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Sherwin-Williams Harmony, Emerald, Pro Industrial Waterbased Epoxy

Sherwin-Williams operates one of the largest specialty coatings stores and R&D networks globally. The company has made substantial strides in waterborne technology, particularly in architectural paints with zero-VOC options and high-performance industrial coatings that meet stringent durability standards for infrastructure and heavy equipment.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of the ECOSURE® bio-based resin platform

• Commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 30% by 2030

---

7️⃣ 4. Asian Paints Limited

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Key Offering: Asian Paints Royale, Apcolite, ACE water-based emulsions

As India’s leading and Asia’s third-largest paints corporation, Asian Paints has a dominant position in the rapidly growing decorative paints market. The company has successfully transitioned a significant portion of its product portfolio to water-based systems, capitalizing on urban development and rising consumer environmental awareness across South Asia and the Middle East.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Water footprint reduction targets across manufacturing operations

• Innovation in natural ingredient-based paints under the ‘Beautiful Homes’ range

Download FREE Sample Report: 2023-2030 Global and Regional Water-Soluble Paints Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

6️⃣ 5. Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Nippon Paint, Dulux (via partnership), NIPSEA water-based coatings

Nippon Paint is a major global player with a strong foothold in the Asia-Pacific region. The company excels in developing water-soluble paints for automotive OEM and refinish markets, architectural coatings, and industrial maintenance. Its focus on innovation includes anti-bacterial, air-purifying, and thermal-insulation water-based paints that address modern urban living challenges.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of low-odor and allergen-reducing paint technologies

• Global expansion of eco-friendly product lines through strategic acquisitions

---

5️⃣ 6. Axalta Coating Systems

Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Cromax, Spies Hecker, Imron, AquaEC waterborne coatings

Axalta is a global leader focused exclusively on the coatings industry, with deep expertise in waterborne technologies for transportation. The company’s water-based refinish systems are widely adopted in automotive collision repair centers worldwide, offering color-matching precision and environmental compliance without compromising on finish quality or durability.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Ambitious 2030 sustainability goals including waste reduction and sustainable innovation

• Partnerships with automotive OEMs to develop sustainable coating processes

---

4️⃣ 7. Jotun Group

Headquarters: Sandefjord, Norway
Key Offering: Jotun Majesty, Penguard, Hardtop, Fenomastic water-based paints

Jotun is a prominent multinational coatings producer with a strong reputation in marine, protective, and decorative coatings. The company has been a pioneer in developing high-performance water-soluble anticorrosive paints for the shipping and offshore industries, a sector traditionally reliant on heavy solvent-based systems.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Leadership in biocide-free antifouling marine coatings (SeaQuantum)

• Commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals integrated into product development

---

3️⃣ 8. Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Kansai Paint, Altax, Maxiflex waterborne coatings

Kansai Paint is a key global manufacturer with significant market share in automotive OEM coatings and industrial finishes. The company has advanced water-based coating technologies for plastic substrates and metal surfaces, catering to the stringent requirements of the automotive and electronics industries while meeting global environmental standards.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of high-solid and waterborne coatings to reduce VOC emissions

• Global initiatives for resource recycling and energy-saving production

---

2️⃣ 9. BASF Coatings GmbH

Headquarters: Münster, Germany
Key Offering: Glasurit, R-M, RELEST water-based refinish systems

As part of the BASF Group, BASF Coatings is a technology leader in the development of environmentally friendly coating solutions. The company’s waterborne basecoats are industry standards in automotive refinishing in Europe and are gaining traction globally. Their R&D leverages BASF’s vast polymer science expertise to push the boundaries of water-based performance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Integration of renewable raw materials into coating resins

• Pursuit of Cradle to Cradle Certified® products for circular economy

---

1️⃣ 10. Berger Paints India Limited

Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Key Offering: Berger Express Painting, Silk, Luxol Hi-Gloss water-based emulsions

Berger Paints is one of India’s fastest-growing paint companies and a significant player in South Asia and Eastern Europe. The company has successfully capitalized on the consumer shift toward water-based decorative paints, offering innovative products like anti-dust, stain-proof, and weather-proof exterior emulsions that cater to diverse climatic conditions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on reducing carbon and water footprint per unit of production

• Development of eco-friendly paints under the ‘Berger Easy Clean’ range

Read Full Report: 2023-2030 Global and Regional Water-Soluble Paints Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

🌍 Outlook: The Future of Water-Soluble Paints Is High-Performance and Sustainable

The water-soluble paints market is experiencing a fundamental transformation. While architectural coatings continue to be the largest segment, the most significant technological breakthroughs are occurring in industrial and automotive applications, where performance parity with solvent-borne systems was once a major challenge.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated regulatory phase-out of solvent-based paints in key regions like the EU and North America

• R&D focus on bio-based resins and renewable raw materials to enhance sustainability credentials

• Advancements in nanotechnology enabling functional coatings with self-cleaning and anti-microbial properties

• Growing adoption in emerging economies driven by urbanization and environmental awareness

Read Full Report: 2023-2030 Global and Regional Water-Soluble Paints Industry Status and Prospects Professional Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are at the forefront of this shift, not merely adapting to a changing regulatory landscape but actively driving innovation that makes water-soluble paints the preferred choice for performance, safety, and sustainability across global markets.