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INTERVIEW WITH COIM

COIM is an Italian company which has been developing and producing chemical specialties since 1962. Since more than 50 years, when it started its business, Coim is an international group leader in the production of polyesters and polyols, polyurethanes (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers), and specialty resins for composites and coatings.

A brief description of the company and its activities.

C.O.I.M. S.p.A. was founded in 1962 by Mario Buzzella and Cesare Zocchi, two men united by a passion for chemistry and entrepreneurial initiative, who started a business aimed at satisfying the growing demand for chemical products generated by a rapidly expanding economy.

62 years later, the COIM Group is an Italian multinational that develops, produces and markets chemical specialties for the manufacturing industry worldwide, ensuring a local presence through 19 companies – including 9 specialized production and R&D sites – in Italy, Singapore, India, USA, Brazil, Spain, Austria and the Netherlands.

Over 1,350 specialized collaborators are committed daily to interpreting and satisfying customer expectations with three main product families:

  1. Polyesters and polyols;
  2. PU Case: polyurethane-based coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers;
  3. Polyesters and special resins.

Integration of raw materials, focus on polyurethane systems, a wide and diversified offer – 18 product lines, from polyesters to PU systems – and a large production capacity give COIM the possibility to satisfy the technical, commercial and logistical needs of customers spread across over 90 countries, for a turnover of over 1 billion euros.

The objective of the COIM Group is continuous and sustainable development, in accordance with the values that have always characterized its activity: care and respect for people and the environment.

What are the main areas of activity of the company?

The main areas of activity are: food and pharma packaging for 29% with line of important products such as Novacote®, Plaxter, Lapirur, Hydrolar, Coiminks and Exter S; then in order of size footwear and fashion and technical articles with 20%, building insulation with 18%, automotive with 9% and industrial and wood coating with 4%.

What’s the news about new products/services?

It is an active innovation company, the last update of the portfolio adds the cold seal as new innovation, plus the company is working to other potential update in the adhesive sectors.

What are the ranges of products/services?

COIM Group specializes in the production of chemical specialties, focusing primarily on polyesters, polyols, polyurethanes, and specialty resins. Their products serve a wide variety of applications across multiple industries.

Key product categories include:

  • Polyurethanes: Used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, and more. These are applied in industries like automotive, footwear, and building materials.
  • Polyester Polyols: These are used for making polyurethanes, particularly for flexible foams, elastomers, and adhesives.
  • Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPUs): Used in industries such as medical devices, footwear, wires and cables, and films.
  • Adhesives and Coatings: Their Novacote® line is widely used in flexible packaging for both food and industrial purposes, meeting sustainability and regulatory standards.
  • Composites and Specialty Resins: These are designed for use in fiberglass, transmission belts, and other structural applications.

COIM’s wide-ranging applications also include sectors like marine, ski boots, conveyor belts, and flexible packaging​.

What is the state of the market where you are currently active?

COIM Group operates in a dynamic and growing market, particularly within sectors like flexible packaging, adhesives, polyurethanes, and specialty chemicals. In the flexible packaging industry, which is key for COIM Group, the market is thriving, with an expected growth rate of 7.3% between 2023 and 2030. This growth is driven by increasing demand for packaged food and other consumer products, particularly in developed and emerging markets. COIM Group is a notable player in this space, providing a full range of products, including adhesives, coatings, and inks, under its Novacote and Coiminks brands. The company is well-established in manufacturing polyurethanes and polyesters, addressing diverse applications from automotive to construction, and even specialized markets like medical and food packaging. COIM Group’s strategy of integrating polyurethane resins, adhesives, and inks positions it as a leading supplier in an industry that is increasingly focused on innovation and sustainability.

What can you tell us about market trends?

The common trends are sustainability, technological advancements, and the increasing use of specialized polymers that are involving different applications where COIM GROUP is in.

What are the most innovative products/services marketed?

COIM Group has introduced several innovative products and services across its key sectors. Some of the most notable include:

  1. Novacote™ Line (Adhesives & Coatings)

Product: This range includes adhesives and coatings designed for flexible packaging. It is particularly important in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, where safety, sustainability, and performance are critical. The solvent-based and solvent-free adhesives reduce environmental impact, while still offering high performance for multilayer laminates used in packaging.

Innovation: The Novacote range focuses on high-performance adhesives that meet the latest safety and regulatory requirements for food packaging while also advancing sustainability goals with its solvent-free options​

  • Coiminks™ (Inks for Flexible Packaging)

Product: COIM Group expanded into the flexible packaging ink market with solvent-based and water-based inks under the Coiminks brand. These inks are used for flexographic and gravure printing, essential in producing high-quality packaging for industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Innovation: Coiminks offers unique formulations that include single-solvent formulations, particularly suited for solvent recovery systems. This reduces environmental impact while maintaining the required performance for packaging applications​

  • Laripur® TPUs (Thermoplastic Polyurethanes)

Product: COIM’s Laripur® TPUs are versatile materials used in diverse applications such as footwear, electronics, and medical devices. These thermoplastic polyurethanes are highly flexible, durable, and resistant to various chemicals and temperatures, making them suitable for high-performance and industrial uses.

Innovation: The Laripur® TPUs are tailored for industries like footwear, where lightweight, flexible, and durable materials are crucial for athletic and fashion products. These TPUs meet rising demands for performance-enhanced footwear while maintaining comfort​

  • Biodegradable and Sustainable Materials

Product: COIM Group has been actively developing biodegradable and sustainable alternatives, particularly in the packaging sector. These materials are aimed at reducing environmental impact while still providing the durability and performance needed for industrial applications.

Innovation: As sustainability becomes more critical, COIM’s innovation focuses on creating materials that meet regulatory standards for biodegradability and recyclability, addressing the global push toward eco-friendly solutions in packaging​

In summary, COIM Group’s innovations largely center around sustainability, high-performance materials, and expanding into new market sectors like inks for flexible packaging, making it a leading player in the chemical specialties market

What estimations do you have for 2024?

The diversification of COIM GROUP business is a key to a great 2024. There are applications where COIM GROUP is growing his presence each year.