Intumescent Paint Sales Surge as Data Centers Multiply Worldwide

The increasing construction of data centers worldwide is driving up the demand for fire-resistant intumescent coatings, such as PPG's Steelguard 951. These coatings, primarily used on steel, expand under heat, safeguarding the structural integrity of metal. PPG, headquartered in Pittsburgh and valued at $24 billion, anticipates a threefold increase in its data center paint sales within a year. Competitor Sherwin-Williams has reported a 10–20 percent growth in sales of protective coatings. In Italy, Milan is set to attract nearly 25 percent of European data center investments. While new constructions favor concrete, limiting intumescent paint usage, renovations continue to utilize it. Intumescent coatings are prevalent in high-risk fire environments. Local protests are raising concerns about energy use and environmental effects. The U.S. leads globally in the number of data centers.