ACA is the voice of industry on matters relating to environmental regulations, occupational health and safety, and policy issues germane to the industry's products. Read about ACA's Policy Priorities. As the U.S. paint and coatings industry's lead advocate on national, state, and local issues impacting the industry, ACA is engaged on myriad issues on behalf of its members and industry. In its most current Issue Backgrounder delivered to members of Congress, ACA outlines how bringing greater efficiency and clarity to EPA'S TSCA New Chemicals Review Program process will benefit manufacturers, EPA, and the environment.
The American Coatings Association (ACA) is a voluntary, nonprofit trade association working to advance the needs of the paint and coatings industry and the professionals who work in it, including: manufacturers, raw materials suppliers, distributors, and technical professionals. ACA serves as an advocate and ally for members on legislative, regulatory and judicial issues, and provides forums for the advancement and promotion of the industry through educational and professional development services.
Contemporary paints and coatings consist of countless compounds uniquely formulated to fulfill the varied requirements of hundreds of thousands of applications. Paints and coatings have evolved from the simple Early Man colors on cave walls into a primary protective barrier between our possessions and our environment. See how, below. Paint - the group of emulsions generally consisting of pigments suspended in a liquid medium for use as decorative or protective coatings - made its earliest appearance about 30,000 years ago.
Paints and coatings are so prevalent in our world, applied to most finish surfaces - from bridges, to food cans, to wind turbines - but they're often overlooked. Not only are they everywhere, paints and coatings are products indispensable for Sustainability. Learn how and why by clicking on the images below.
Paints and coatings provide real value and are necessary for protecting and preserving the objects to which they are applied. Coatings are applied to almost everything we own and use, prolonging usefulness and providing protection from scratches, rust, and corrosion. The following facts highlight the significant contributions industry makes to the U.S. economy and the people employed by the industry. Labor market statistics are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.