- In June 2025, Research and Markets reported a surge in demand for advanced functional paints—including dirt-repelling, self-healing, and self-cleaning formulations—driven by strong growth in the architectural paints and coatings sector. This trend reflects a broader industry shift toward smart coatings that offer enhanced durability, reduced maintenance, and eco-friendly benefits. Urbanization, infrastructure expansion, and sustainability goals are fueling innovation in coating technologies, with manufacturers increasingly investing in nanomaterials and responsive polymers to meet evolving performance standards. The market’s momentum signals a clear push toward intelligent surface solutions across residential, commercial, and industrial applications
- In June 2025, Fortune Business Insights highlighted the growing adoption of smart coatings in the architectural and agricultural sectors, with PPG Industries’ SunCleanglass coating standing out as a key innovation. SunCleanuses a photocatalytic titanium dioxide layer that activates under UV light to break down organic dirt, which is then rinsed away by rain or water. This self-cleaning functionality is especially beneficial for greenhouse applications, where maintaining clear glass improves light transmission and ultimately enhances crop yields. The product exemplifies a shift toward functional coatings that combine durability, sustainability, and performance
- In June 2025, Data Insights Market reported that leading companies such as Okitsumo Incorporated, Saint-Gobain, and Shin-Etsu Chemical are driving innovation in the automotive photocatalysis self-cleaning coatings segment through active research and development. These coatings, which typically use photocatalytic materials such as titanium dioxide, break down organic pollutants under UV light—reducing the need for manual cleaning and enhancing vehicle aesthetics. The push for eco-friendly, low-maintenance solutions is fueling continuous product enhancements, with advancements in nanotechnology, durability, and UV resistance shaping the future of smart automotive surfaces
- In April 2024, AZoBuild highlighted a major breakthrough in self-cleaning coatings for construction through the adoption of magnetron sputtering—a highly controlled physical vapor deposition technique. This method enables the precise fabrication of uniform multilayer structures at a commercial scale, which is crucial for enhancing the performance and reliability of self-cleaning surfaces in architectural applications. By allowing fine-tuned control over coating thickness, composition, and crystallinity, magnetron sputtering supports the development of durable, photocatalytic coatings that can break down organic contaminants and reduce maintenance needs for buildings and infrastructure
- In August 2021, a prominent automotive manufacturer introduced a new vehicle model equipped with self-cleaning coating technology as a standard feature, marking a pivotal moment in the mainstream adoption of advanced surface treatments. Although the brand wasn’t publicly disclosed, this integration highlights growing confidence in photocatalytic and hydrophobic coatings that repel dirt, water, and pollutants—reducing maintenance and enhancing vehicle aesthetics. The move reflects a broader industry trend toward smart, sustainable materials that improve user experience and support eco-friendly practices
