Can you provide an overview of ANAFAPYT’s activities over the past year?

ANAFAPYT had a very fruitful 2023. The return of hybrid activities gave us the opportunity once again to meet with various organizations in person. We already had active participation with the American Chamber of Commerce, and we are representing our sector in relations with the government, focusing on business and investments in the country. ANAFAPYT has also engaged with the government in issues in customs and imports. 

Our association is allies with the Mexican chamber of the construction industry, and we were present at the round table of global associations for material protection and performance in Denver. This was ANAFAPYT’s first time participating. 

What are ANAFAPYT’s regulatory priorities?

Just yesterday, we were at the Ministry of Economy to ask that all the regulations for lead control be formally accredited. We are engaged in addressing the permissible limit for lead, and we are preparing a proposal for a conformity assessment procedure to modify the standard with the objective of presenting this proposal to COFEPRIS.

As an association, we have been proactive about the various provisions in the federal law for the control of essential chemical drug precursors published on May 3. We have participated in activities targeted at COFEPRIS and are focused on collaborating with the government to help them understand the issues. A focus for ANAFAPYT is asking the federal commission to protect the industry in front of COFEPRIS, ensuring that they keep the official standards. 

What trends have you observed?

Innovative material coatings are always in high demand, particularly antibacterial products and those that provide better quality and performance with resistance to corrosion and minimal drag resistance. High-tech solutions that optimize processes will always be in demand. 

Lately, there has been a new focus on utilizing raw materials that have biodegradable components or reduce the manufacturing of microplastics. In this scenario, Europe is ahead of us in organic matters, so we are establishing links with ASEFAPI and UNE (Spanish Association for Standardization) seeking to emulate their practices and processes in these areas as well as in normalization and standardization.

Some other interesting trends I have observed in the paints and coatings segment include demand for self-repairing paints that restore painted surfaces to an original state, for glow in the dark pigments that emit light after exposure to a light source, and for nano particle technology which translates to greater performance and absorption of ultraviolet light. 

What major challenges are facing the industry?

There have been significant disruptions in supply in recent years, as well as an increase in utility prices. The super peso has also affected us quite a bit, but we hope to see recovery or maintenance of the peso against the dollar next year. 

The presence of armed forces in customs is a difficulty because they have a lack of knowledge about commercial issues which has created bottlenecks. With the presence of the armed forces in ports, there are slower processes and slower compliance of procedures. However, we are working with COFEPRIS to provide training and information to help make those procedures more agile for our members.

How does the association support sustainable development?

ANAFAPYT actively participates in continuous communication of the sustainable objectives of the UN SDGs, always contributing to achieving Mexico’s goals in international treaties. Among the steps we have taken is offering training seminars that raise awareness of lead in paints and coatings, which is aligned with the SDG on health and well-being. Another focus of ours is continuing education. 

What are ANAFAPYT’s priorities for the coming year?

The association is already 80 years old, and it is a reference in the industry, seeking to support innovation and provide information to help develop Latin American countries and open new paths to Europe and the United States. 

In 2024, we will host a variety of educational activities including a technological diploma course and trainings on circular economy issues. We will also have technical sessions in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Additionally, we will continue supporting sustainable raw materials production and the development of new alternatives. 

At the Latin American Coatings Show, we will have four forums: the architectural forum, the repainting forum, the regulatory specialists forum, and for the first time, a forum on women in the industry. The intention is to formalize a committee of female industry leaders to share experiences and provide a path for the next generation.