ETCC 2026 in Prague Successfully Connected the European Coatings Community

Prague, Czech Republic, July 2, 2026 – The European Technical Coatings Congress – ETCC 2026, held in Prague from 30 June to 2 July 2026, concluded with great success. The congress brought together 225 experts from academia and industry, confirming its position as one of the key European platforms for knowledge exchange, professional networking and cooperation in the coatings, paints, surface treatment and related materials sectors.

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The main organiser of the ETCC congresses is FATIPEC – Federation of Associations of Technicians for Industry of Paints in European Countries. The 2026 edition, held in the Czech Republic, was organised by the Czech Chemical Society, with expert support from the University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology. Organisational matters were handled by CHEMAGAZÍN, a specialised professional magazine and publishing house which is also professional congress organiser.

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The scientific and technical programme offered 85 oral presentations and 38 poster presentations, covering a wide range of current topics, including advanced coating technologies, functional coatings, raw materials, sustainability, testing and characterisation methods, digitalisation, production processes and industrial innovation. The programme reflected both the latest scientific developments and the practical needs of the coatings industry.

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ETCC 2026 was preceded by the Summer School, which took place on 29 June 2026. The Summer School offered a broader perspective on coatings and colour-related topics, including not only technical and material aspects, but also the human perception of colour. The programme included 10 lectures and attracted almost 40 participants, creating an inspiring educational platform for students, young professionals and other participants interested in deepening their understanding of the field.

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ETCC 2026 attracted participants from many European countries and beyond. The largest groups of participants came from the Czech Republic and Germany, followed by the Netherlands, Poland and Belgium, and then by Türkiye, Austria, France and Italy. The congress also welcomed participants from more distant countries, including Japan, Brazil, the USA and Canada. This broad international composition contributed significantly to the dynamic exchange of experience and helped strengthen cooperation between academic institutions, research organisations and industrial companies.

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An important part of ETCC 2026 was also the presentation of congress awards, recognising outstanding scientific and technical contributions. The Best Lecture award was presented to Tomáš Prošek from the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. The Best Young Scientist Contribution award went to Mario Carratù from the University of Salerno, while the award for the Best Contribution Concerning Sustainability was presented to Dmitry Chernyshov from Momentive Performance Materials. The Best Poster Contribution award was received by Rik M. M. Bennis from the University of Amsterdam.

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A strong contribution from congress partners and sponsors also played an important role in the success of the event. The organisers would like to express their particular appreciation to the two largest sponsors, EVONIK and KROMACHEM, whose support significantly contributed to the high professional standard of the congress. 

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The congress venue, Clarion Congress Hotel Prague, provided excellent conference facilities, modern lecture halls and comfortable spaces for networking, poster discussions and partner presentations. Thanks to the venue’s location and the attractiveness of Prague, participants were also able to fully enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere, history, architecture and social opportunities.

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In addition to the technical programme, ETCC 2026 created many opportunities for informal meetings and professional dialogue. The social programme and evening events supported personal contacts and helped build new bridges between experts from different countries and professional backgrounds.

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The organisers would like to thank all speakers, poster presenters, participants, sponsors, partners, committee members and supporting organisations for their contribution to the success of ETCC 2026.

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ETCC 2026 once again demonstrated the strength, diversity and innovation potential of the European coatings community and showed the importance of bringing together science, technology and industry in one shared forum.

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We warmly invite the European coatings community to the next ETCC Congress, which will take place in Greece in 2028.