# The European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink, and Artist’s Colours Industry (CEPE)


## Pages

- [No Access](https://cepe.org/no-access/): [dlm_no_access]
- [How to access the database](https://cepe.org/sustainability/how-to-access-the-database/): CEPE members All CEPE members (direct and affiliated) are eligible to have access to the CEPE LCI databases. In order to get access to the database, two conditions must be met: being a CEPE member and having an EcoInvent license (version 2 or above). Please be aware that for each additional copy of the CEPE database used within a given company, an EcoInvent license is needed (use in parallel). To have access to the CEPE LCI databases, click on following link to send an e-mail to the Administrator. Once the CEPE membership and the validity of the EcoInvent license checked, the member […]
- [Documents (Powder Coating) #4](https://cepe.org/https-unleashthepowder-eu/documents-powder-coating/): CEPE Safe Powder Coating Guidline – April 2020
- [Powder Coating Campaign](https://cepe.org/https-unleashthepowder-eu/): Unlike every other coating Powder Coatings do not contain a fluid phase (solvent or water) for applying the paint to the substrate. Due to its need for heat (140- 180 C) to cure (crosslink) these paints it can only be applied to substrates that can withstand these temperatures. Most typical steel and aluminium. With no solvent emissions to declare this type of coating is very environmentally friendly. These powder coatings find most of their uses where robustness and corrosion protection are in demand. Examples being: elements in the construction industry; automotive parts; agricultural and garden equipment.
- [Position Papers](https://cepe.org/position-papers/): CEPE Simplification Proposals – May 2025 Call to Action: Revoke the Microplastics Reporting Obligation – March 2025 CEPE Position paper – Early Analysis of Alternatives – November 2022 CEPE position paper concerning the digitalisation of labels on chemicals – September 2021 CEPE position paper concerning the REACH revision – June 2021 CEPE position paper concerning the CLP revision – June 2021
- [Publications](https://cepe.org/publications/): NA Brochure – October 2025 CEPE Study – Testing legibility at 1.2 and 1.4mm – September 2023 Cross-sector call for urgent dialogue and a rethink regarding CLP Revision – September 2023 FAQ on the CSS / REACH revision – October 2022 While the pandemic continues, raw materials are running short in the coatings industry, André Vieira de Castro – March 2021 Brochure-Brush-and-Roller-Cleaning
- [Press Releases](https://cepe.org/press-releases/): CEPE’s Declaration for simplification and digitalisation – May 2025 CEPE disappointed with decision on TiO2 antidumping duties – January 2025 CEPE urges member states to reject TiO2 antidumping duties – November 2024 CEPE General Assembly – CEPE announces new Chairman and Board members, agrees collaboration with BCF CEPE Op Ed – CEPE launches consumer campaign highlighting benefits of decorative paints #paintgivesyou – October 2023 CEPE Press release – CEPE launches consumer campaign highlighting benefits of decorative paints #paintgivesyou – October 2023 CEPE Press release – CEPE highlights threat to the availability of preservatives – February 2022 CEPE Press Release – […]
- [Events](https://cepe.org/events/): The CEPE Annual conference’s registrations are now open!
- [Annual Reports](https://cepe.org/annual-reports-2/): CEPE Annual Report 2024 CEPE Annual Report 2023 CEPE Annual Report 2022 CEPE Annual Report 2021 CEPE Annual Report 2020 CEPE Annual Report 2019 CEPE Annual Report 2018 CEPE Annual Report 2017 CEPE Annual Report 2016 CEPE Annual Report 2015 CEPE Annual Report 2014
- [Documents (Transport)](https://cepe.org/transport/documents-transport/): INDUSTRY GUIDELINES FOR THE SECURITY OF THE TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS BY ROAD
- [Transport](https://cepe.org/transport/): The safe, timely and cost-effective transportation of products is essential for our industry. Approximately half of its products are classified as dangerous goods for transport, typically due to classification as flammable, corrosive and/or hazardous to the environment. In order to achieve the right balance of safety in the transport chain whilst avoiding undue costs, delays or administrative burden, CEPE works on behalf of its members to influence the content and implementation of the relevant regulations.  At international level, CEPE is active as part of the World Coatings Council in the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts (for the Model Regulations on the Transport […]
- [Documents (TiO2)](https://cepe.org/tio2/documents-tio2/): Didier-Leroy-Titanium-dioxide-CEPE_Corner-November_2019 CEPE press release TiO2 classification – February 2020
- [TiO2](https://cepe.org/tio2/): From 2016 on titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been the focus of some Authorities and media due to a proposed classification as carcinogen by inhalation. Because it is an inert dust with no known hazard our industry has been involved to advocate that it should not be classified for such effect. We are convinced that it is not hazardous and therefore that it does not deserve to be classified. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the number 1 pigment purchased and used by our industry. We depend on the fine particle pigment grade to provide brightness and opacity. It is present in >90% […]
- [How to access the database-old](https://cepe.org/sustainability/how-to-access-the-database-old/): CEPE members All CEPE members (direct and affiliated) are eligible to have access to the CEPE LCI databases. In order to get access to the database, two conditions must be met: being a CEPE member and having an EcoInvent license (version 2 or above). Please be aware that for each additional copy of the CEPE database used within a given company, an EcoInvent license is needed (use in parallel). To have access to the CEPE LCI databases, click on following link to send an e-mail to the Administrator. Once the CEPE membership and the validity of the EcoInvent license checked, the member […]
- [Sectorial Work on Sustainability](https://cepe.org/sustainability/sectorial-work-on-sustainability/): The CEPE LCI project was the starting point for multiple sectorial projects to tackle the gate to grave part of the paint life cycle. Sectorial screening studies A number of screening studies have been conducted on sectorial projects. The concept is to run a quick study on a specific coating application to have an idea of the role of paints in the impact of this application. So far, the following studies have been conducted: powder coating protection of aluminium window frames, application of protective coatings on a steel bridge, application on coated steel building panels. More sectors are investigating potential […]
- [Sustainability Documents](https://cepe.org/sustainability/sustainability-documents/): Dutch Associations VVVF & FOSAG Agreement on sustainable Maintenance in the Paint Industry In order to ensure proper maintenance of painted structures, VVVF and FOSAG wish to go one step further and agree on sustainable maintenance – EN Press release: Sustainability of vehicle refinshing coatings now measurable (14 July 2014) VVVF and FOCWA launch the “Sustainability Analysis” tool Press release (NL) Press release (EN) Statement of Intent (NL) Sustainability Analysis of repairing process (NL) Zero VOC Claims for the Decorative Coatings With the increasing concerns for the environment and the implementation of the Deco paint directive, the paint producers tend to […]
- [LCI Project](https://cepe.org/sustainability/lci-project/): The CEPE LCI project, which started in September 2011, aimed to cover both the raw materials and the manufacturing processes used in our Industry, which makes it a “cradle to gate” project. Database information The LCI database can be used in Life Cycle Assessment tools at the members’ companies or with the help of consultants. The second version of the database now contains 323 raw materials, and is available in GaBi, SimaPro and Excel (List of materials – To know how to access the database, click here The CEPE database is updated regularly, both to take into account new datasets provided by […]
- [Sustainability](https://cepe.org/sustainability/): CEPE has taken many steps towards Sustainability! Since 2012, the sector created the Sustainability Charter, which gives the principles for our sectors towards less environmental impact of our products. We encourage our members to look at the full life cycle of their products while keeping in mind the three pillars of Sustainability: People, Planer and Profit. For this reason we created tools for our members to enable them to do that! In 2011, we created the CEPE LCI project to provide to all CEPE sectors harmonized Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data for theindustry’s most important raw materials and manufacturing processes. […]
- [Poison Centres](https://cepe.org/poison-centres/): Article 45 of the CLP Regulation ((EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures) requires each Member State to appoint a body to receive information about hazardous mixtures placed on the market. This information is used by poison control centres to provide emergency response advice in the event of poisoning incidents.  In 2017, after more than seven years of stakeholder discussions in which CEPE was a very active participant, the European Commission harmonized the information to be submitted by companies in a new Annex VIII to CLP and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) took responsibility for its implementation. […]
- [Microplastics](https://cepe.org/microplastics/): In paint, the polymeric content of binders and certain additives used in paint may fall under the definition of microplastics. These are synthetic polymeric particles smaller than 5 mm. While the binder typically makes up 35% of paint, the solid fraction makes up about 18% while the rest is solvent (e.g., water). CEPE and its members are actively involved in gaining more knowledge on the contribution of paint to the microplastics problem and finding solutions. While the exact contribution of paint is unclear, the paint industry is committed to finding solutions through research, innovation, and user education. Documents Position paper […]
- [Isocyanates](https://cepe.org/isocyanates/): Diisocyanate is a generic term used for a group of chemicals presenting two ‘NCO’ ends in their chemical structure. These are reactive groups that are used to make polyurethane polymers (PU), like in polyurethane coatings which offer high chemical resistance. The PU chemistry is also used in a lot of other applications such as insulation panels used in construction, spray foams or bed mattress. The reactive groups of the chemical substances may cause asthma and skin allergy and therefore users must protect themselves during their jobs. Also bystanders run the risk during application, so they must be kept away or […]
- [Documents (Food Contact)](https://cepe.org/food-contact/documents-food-contact/): TSC35 DOC Template for Caotings – September 2024 – EN TSC35 Coating Guidelines – September 2024 – EN TSC35-RA-RM-guidelines – September 2024 – EN Guide to Good Hygiene and Manufacturing Practices for Metal Cans, Packaging and Closures for Foodstuffs – May 2006 – EN Good Manufacturing Practices for the production of coatings intended to come into contact with food -EN Industrial Guidelines on Traceability of Materials and Articles for Food Contact – EN Framework Resolution RESAP (2004)1 on Coatings Intended to Come Into contact with Foodstuffs – Version 3 – 12 February 2009 – Coated Articles Where the Food Contact […]
- [Food Contact](https://cepe.org/food-contact/): Our industry is involved in food contact in two ways: can coatings (direct food contact) and printing inks (typically indirect food contact). For the later we refer the reader to the dedicated website of EuPIA Can coatings inside rigid metal packaging are essential to prevent the contact of food with the metal in order to maintain during long periods the essential nutritional and organoleptic properties of food. There is a significant difference in the aggressivity or corrosivity of different foods and beverages towards the metal substrate and coatings of metal packaging, and the different can, end and closure manufacturing methods […]
- [Campaign: Coatings need preservatives](https://cepe.org/biocides/campaign-coatings-need-preservatives/): Welcome to our campaign website #CoatingsNeedPreservatives! Preservatives are becoming increasingly unavailable for paints, printing inks and artist’s colours. This will impact millions of coated products. Without preservatives, there will be an increase in wasted product and a need for more frequent repainting. This directly contradicts the EU’s green and circular ambitions. Today, only a handful of preservatives remain for industry and the situation is expected to deteriorate further. Let’s discuss preservatives and find a solution that works for the benefit of all. Please find below our position paper, frequently asked questions and graphics highlighting our perspective and proposed solution to […]
- [Biocides](https://cepe.org/biocides/): CEPE members are not manufacturing biocide substances but need to use some of them for the essential preservation of their products. Biocides are chemical substances needed to control the development of microbes. Click here for the CEPE campaign #coatingsneedspersevatives In paints and coatings biocide preservatives are needed to protect the wet water-based product in the can (before use) against bacteria and molds. When the paint has dried there are instances when another protection is also needed such as for outdoor painted building facades. In that case protection is desired to avoid the development of black spots due to fungi and […]
- [Vehicle Refinish Coating](https://cepe.org/vehicle-refinish-coating/): Vehicle Refinish (VR) coatings are used to re-paint damaged vehicles like cars. They are widely used in Europe with about 80 000 spraying booths and an estimated workforce of 120 000 workers. VR coatings do comply with several EU legislation such as REACH, CLP, Occupational Health and the Solvent Emission Directive 2004/42/CE on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products.2K primers and top/clear coatings are usually based on polyurethane chemistry which is based on di-isocyanates. Hence we are engaged together with the basic […]
- [Documents (Protective Coating)](https://cepe.org/protective-coating/documents-protective-coating/): Single Market for Green Products Industry associations, such as AIM (Brands), FoodDrink Europe, AISE (Detergents), Cosmetics Europe, CEPE are supportive of a common EU product and organization environmental footprinting methodology based on life cycle analysis to preserve the Single Market and drive sustainability progress. The pilot phase should make sure that the objectives can be met through adequate, resource efficient,
- [Protective Coating](https://cepe.org/protective-coating/): Infrastructure (bridges; electricity poles etc. are costly investments to governments or institutions. The protection against corrosion is the most sought-after characteristic in protective (or heavy duty) coatings. Before such protective coatings are only applied after a lengthy approval procedure has been followed. This sector also delivers for the inside of constructions coatings that are applied on steel beams where they offer an insulation in case of fire. These intumescent coatings expand under heat into a foam and retard the steel beam from collapsing and so saving the lives from those who still need to escape.Coatings for rolling stock (trains) and […]
- [Printing Inks – EuPIA](https://cepe.org/printing-inks-eupia/): EuPIA is the European Printing Ink Association and was founded in 2003 as a division of CEPE EuPIA represents the interests of the European manufacturers of printing inks and related products.If you would like to have more information, please visit www.eupia.org
- [Documents (Powder Coating)](https://cepe.org/powder-coating/documents-powder-coating/): CEPE Safe Powder Coating Guidline – October 2025 CEPE Note for EU Powder Coatings Customers Powder Coatings & the REACH Restriction on Microplastics
- [Powder Coating](https://cepe.org/powder-coating/): Unlike every other coating Powder Coatings do not contain a fluid phase (solvent or water) for applying the paint to the substrate. Due to its need for heat (140- 180 C) to cure (crosslink) these paints it can only be applied to substrates that can withstand these temperatures. Most typical steel and aluminium. With no solvent emissions to declare this type of coating is very environmentally friendly. These powder coatings find most of their uses where robustness and corrosion protection are in demand. Examples being: elements in the construction industry; automotive parts; agricultural and garden equipment.
- [Marine Coating](https://cepe.org/marine-coating/): Ships are a major part of our current day economy. Transporting goods from all over the globe. And luxury liners have become part of the leisure industry. Made of steel means they require a robust protection against the weather and marine conditions they sail in. Marine Coatings serve both the outer hull of the ship as well as the interior where bulk goods or ballast water may be stored. A special function comes with the coatings that are below the waterline at the outside of the hull. These Anti-Fouling coatings are designed to prevent the adhesion of small sea-life (barnicles […]
- [Documents (Decorative Coating)](https://cepe.org/decorative-coating/documents-decorative-coating/): Brochure-Brush-and-Roller-Cleaning Annex D : Classification by sub-categories – EN Annex C : Classification “out of scope” – EN Annex B : Classification by country – EN Annex A : classification by category – EN CEPE Guideline on Classification of Decorative Coatings into categories for Directive 2004/42/EC – EN CEPE Guideline on Labelling (Article 4) – “Professional use only” paints (including joinery products) – 11 February 2010 Directive 2004/42/EC: CEPE Guideline on Labelling – 11 February 2010 CEPE Guideline for VOC Determination of the Decorative Paint Industry CEPE Briefing Paper : How to differentiate surface treatment wood preservative paints (PT 8) […]
- [What paint gives you?](https://cepe.org/decorative-coating/what-paint-gives-you/): What paint gives you? #COLOR #PROTECTION #selfexpression #sustainability #paintgivesyou colour and energy, it protects what’s valuable to you, gives you a way to express yourself, it makes things last longer, and provides fuel for your creativity. At CEPE, the European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink, and Artist’s Colours Industry, we want paints to keep giving in the future. We are we working hard to continuously improve our paints to make them long-lasting to increase service life and reduce maintenance. We are making them easier and safer to use, contributing not only a more beautiful world, but also to our […]
- [Decorative Coating](https://cepe.org/decorative-coating/): Decorating living spaces or office spaces has proven to positively influence the well-being of those who occupy these spaces. Most prominent for painting are the walls and ceilings, the doors or the window-frames. But also furniture elements (indoors or outdoors) may need a fresh coat of paint. Besides a number of colours as supplied in the paint-container from which he can choose, the consumer can also individualize his colour choice at the mixing station in the paint-shop. The progress in ease of applying these deco paints has increased the use for Do-it-Yourself. Over 80% of the paints in this sector […]
- [Coil Coating](https://cepe.org/coil-coating/): When objects or articles are produced in a factory, they normally receive as a last step in production a layer of paint when the shape or form of the article is not undergoing any further change (i.e cars; furniture etc.). If however a manufacturer of articles does not want to run his own in-line paint facility he may consider the purchase of ‘pre-coated metal’ which is delivered in coils. The unwound flat sheet (aluminium or steel) from the coil can by the manufacturer be bended and formed in its coated state into the final shape as the article manufacturer wishes […]
- [Can Coating](https://cepe.org/can-coating/): Can coatings in direct contact with food are designed to be safe and rigorously tested to ensure that they are. They fall under the scope of the EU Framework Regulation 1935/2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. Its Article 3 stipulates that these materials and articles shall be manufactured under good manufacturing practice in accordance with EU Regulation 2023/2006 and that they shall not endanger human health. Unlike plastics, there is no harmonised EU regulation that specifically regulates can coatings. However, some EU Member States have national legislations that CEPE Members shall comply with. Furthermore, […]
- [Artist Colours – EuACA](https://cepe.org/artist-colours-euaca/): Under the umbrella of CEPE, the European Artists’ Colours Association “EuACA” works together on the most important regulatory issues facing the industry and to enhance the image and the credibility of the Artists’ Colours (AC) sector. If you would like to have more information, please visit www.artists-colours.org
- [About The Industry](https://cepe.org/about-the-industry/): Role of paints, printing inks, and artist colours’ All of our distinct sectors (see applications) make outstanding contributions to our lives. Paints and coatings provide aesthetic appeal and act as a protective barrier to natural weathering and microbiological degradation for all kinds of substrates (surfaces), thereby extending the lifecycle, safety and performance of products and constructions. Inks are an important medium of communication, education, and decoration in our society. Artists’ colours are a core means of art, with which visually stunning pieces can be created for others to appreciate and learn about. Key facts & figures CEPE represents about 800 […]
- [List of National Associations](https://cepe.org/list-of-national-associations/): FCIO – Fachverband der Chemischen Industrie Österreichs Wiedner Hauptstrasse 63 AT – 1045 Wien, Austria Tel: + 43 1 50 105 3749 Email: schaubmayr@fcio.at Website IVP – Industrie des Vernis et Peintures luePoint Brussels – Blvd Reyerslaan, 80 BE – 1030 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +3224162170 Email: info@ivp-coatings.be Website DFL – Danmarks Farve- og Limindustri H. C. Andersens Boulevard 18 DK – 1553 Kobenhavn V, Denmark Tel: + 45 33 77 30 04 Email: chfp@di.dk Website VTY – Väriteollisuusyhdistys r.y. P.O. Box 4 Etelaranta 10 FI – 00131 Helsinki, Finland Tel: +358 40 539 2556 Email: eliisa.irpola@kemianteollisuus.fi Website FIPEC 42 avenue […]
- [Membership Benefits](https://cepe.org/membership-benefits/): As a member you will – be informed of all the latest political and technical developments of relevance to the sector– have the possibility to exchange information and share expertise on priority issues for the sector– have the possibility to engage with decision-makers and stakeholders– have the opportunity to contribute to the future regulatory and policy landscape in which the coatings industry must operate. CEPE recognises the following categories of members: Direct company members Direct members are paint, printing inks and artists’ colours companies engaged in the manufacture and/or sale of paint, printing inks and/or artists’ colours in at least […]
- [What paint gives you?](https://cepe.org/decorative-coating-whatpaintgivesyou/)
- [Annual Reports](https://cepe.org/annual-reports/)
- [Contact](https://cepe.org/contact/): CONTACT US CEPE SecretariatBoulevard du Triomphe 172, 1160 Brussels Tel : +32(0)2 897 20 20General e-mail: secretariat@cepe.org BY METRO Take the metro (line 5 direction “Herrmann-Debroux”) and get off at “DELTA” Follow  the exit “Campus – VUB” BY PLANE By taxi: Take a taxi. Time from the airport to CEPE is about 30 min. By train: When you take the train from the airport, get off at the Central Station (about 20 minutes). Then take the metro. BY TRAIN Coming by train from Brussels Central Station: Take the metro (line 5 direction “Herrmann-Debroux”) and get off at “DELTA” (about 20 minutes). Coming […]
- [Who we are](https://cepe.org/who-we-are/): The European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink, and Artist’s Colours Industry (CEPE) represents the interests of Paint, Printing Ink, and Artist’s Colours manufacturers in Europe.  As the voice of the sector to the European Union, we discuss with all stakeholder to improve the framework conditions in Europe. We support policy making based on science that leads to a more competitive, healthier, and sustainable future. CEPE relies on a valuable network of national associations and direct member companies across Europe. Represented by the Board and administered by the Operational Board, the major work is accomplished in approx. 40 working groups […]
- [Privacy-policy](https://cepe.org/privacy-policy/): This privacy policy describes the collection, use and processing of personal data by The European Council of the paint, printing and artist’s colours industry denominated “CEPE”, acting as the data controller of this information as defined by the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union (the EU GDPR). 1. About CEPE and your data privacy rights CEPE is established as a non-profit making international association under Belgian law (aisbl). CEPE’s address is: Boulevard du Triomphe 172 , 1160 Brussels (Auderghem), Belgium. 1.1 Your data privacy rights – CEPE is committed to the highest data privacy standards and to protecting […]
- [Home](https://cepe.org/): multiple-neutral-2 About Us book-open-bookmark Annual Reports megaphone Powder Coatings campaign: Unleash the powder! login-key Members Area What is CEPE? Established in 1951, CEPE, the European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink and Artists‘ Colours Industry is the sole trade association representing the interests of the coatings sector at European level. How do we work? CEPE has established Working Groups in which members discuss EU policies and identify the priorities and actions to be undertaken vis-à-vis the European institutions. Regulatory and Policy areas Health and safety Environment Transport Sustainability Standards CEPE National Associations brochure is available!  We are pleased to announce […]


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