The course towards technological sovereignty
JSC "Ruschem", with the support of the Russian Union of Chemists, organized a round table "Portfolio raw materials synergy of the EAEU paint and varnish market". The event took place within the framework of the 29th international specialized exhibition Interlakokraska-2025.
Representatives of the largest chemical companies, including JSC Metafrax Chemicals and heads of industry associations from the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), took part in the discussion of topical issues of the development of the paint and varnish industry in the new economic realities.
The participants of the round table discussed issues of import substitution, supply of raw materials, technological partnership and development prospects. The main topics were the availability and quality of raw materials, innovative developments in the field of titanium dioxide and its applications, as well as the potential for cooperation between manufacturers and suppliers. In particular, Daria Shevyakina, Deputy Director of the Chemical Industry Department of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, drew attention to changes in the import of titanium dioxide:
- Five years ago, we were completely dependent on the import of raw materials for this important component. Today, the situation has changed dramatically: we have successfully localized the production of titanium dioxide, released new brands, launched the extraction of Russian ilmenite and significantly reduced dependence on imports.
Titanium dioxide is one of the key products of the raw material portfolio for paint coatings. Leading experts report that today more than 35% of the titanium dioxide needed for the production of industrial and decorative paints on the EAEU market is produced in Russia.
- The product portfolio of JSC "Ruschem" today covers a wide range of raw materials that are critically important for the paint and varnish industry. Our enterprises produce materials that are used in the creation of various types of paints, coatings and specialized formulations.The company plans to double its portfolio of raw materials for paint and varnish products," said Elena Dmitrieva, Marketing Director of JSC Ruschem.
Evgeny Gavrilov, Head of the Project Office for Strategy at Metafrax Chemicals, spoke about the prospects for the production of domestic flame retardants, special additives for fire–resistant paints:
- When heated, flame retardants foam and form a fire protection for structures, which, in turn, increases the safety of rooms inside such structures. The basis of such additives, most often, is micronized pentaerythritol, melamine and ammonium polyphosphate. Titanium dioxide is also present in the composition of such paints. Melamine and pentaerythritol are already present in the portfolio of Metafrax Chemicals, and titanium dioxide is also produced at the Titanium Investments enterprise, which is part of the perimeter of Ruschem. Thus, by starting to produce ammonium polyphosphate, Ruschem will be able to offer the paintwork market a full portfolio of essential flame retardants. It is also worth noting that now more than 90% of ammonium polyphosphate is imported to Russia, and the commissioning of the planned capacities will completely cover the country's domestic demand.
Representatives of leading chemical industry companies such as PJSC Khimprom, Orgsintez Group LLC, Oz-Chemicals LLC, Hitek-Yar Software LLC and others also spoke about their achievements in the field of paint and varnish.