The UK coatings industry has made significant progress towards reducing its environmental impact, according to the latest Roadmap to Net Zero published by the British Coatings Federation.
Updated industry data shows that direct operational emissions have fallen considerably since 2018, placing the sector ahead of the trajectory originally anticipated for 2030.
The British Coatings Federation’s updated data puts the industry’s 2018 baseline for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions at approximately 110,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
By 2024, these emissions had fallen to approximately 55,000 tonnes — representing a 50% reduction.
This is already ahead of the Roadmap’s earlier projection, which anticipated a 38% reduction by 2030.
Scope 1 emissions are generated directly by a company’s operations, while Scope 2 covers indirect emissions associated with purchased energy, including electricity.
The progress has been attributed to measures including improved energy efficiency, operational changes and the adoption of more accessible carbon-reduction technologies across manufacturing sites.
Following the progress already achieved, the updated Roadmap introduces more ambitious milestones for the coatings sector.
The revised targets include:
These targets relate to the sector’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and are measured against the updated 2018 baseline.
Although the progress is positive, the British Coatings Federation has warned that many of the simpler emission-reduction measures have already been implemented.
The next stage is expected to require more complex investment and greater cooperation throughout the coatings supply chain.
Scope 3 emissions — those associated with areas such as raw materials, transport, product use and waste — are estimated to account for approximately 97% of the industry’s total carbon footprint.
Reducing these emissions will require collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers, customers, logistics providers and recycling organisations.
Independent spraying businesses will not be responsible for delivering the manufacturing targets within the Roadmap. However, changes across the coatings industry may increasingly influence the products, packaging and services available to professional users.
Spray businesses may see continued developments in:
Professional sprayers can support wider progress by ordering products carefully, minimising avoidable waste, following correct disposal guidance and working with responsible manufacturers and suppliers.
Coatings play an important role in protecting, maintaining and extending the lifespan of products and surfaces. The progress recorded in the updated Roadmap demonstrates that the industry is also taking meaningful steps to reduce the environmental impact of producing those coatings.
UKSA welcomes positive developments that support a more efficient, responsible and sustainable spray-finishing industry.
Further information is available in the British Coatings Federation’s 2026 Net Zero Roadmap announcement.
