Evonik has merged its various units to form a consolidated coatings business. Evonik Industries, a global leader in specialty chemicals from Germany, is fast turning into a leading supplier of additives for the coatings industry following its recent acquisition of Air Products’ performance materials division.

Jotun, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of coatings, has increased the prices of its marine, protective, and powder coatings in the wake of a significant rise in costs of raw materials used for manufacturing coatings. This rise over the last 12 months has affected the coatings industry worldwide, says a company official.