June 1, 2026—Sika, a global leader in specialty chemicals for building and industry, inaugurated its Asia-Pacific Coating Innovation Center in Shanghai on June 1, 2026. The center is Sika's fourth global R&D facility in China, deepening the company's strategic R&D network and strengthening localized innovation to rapidly meet regional demand with advanced coating solutions while driving green industry development.
Focus on Core Region, Build R&D Synergy Hub
Sika chose Shanghai for its Asia-Pacific Coating Innovation Center due to the area's talent concentration and radiance advantage as an international science and technology innovation center. Adjacent to Sika's Building Finishing China R&D Center in the same park, the new center will closely collaborate on formulation development and application technology innovation, forming a strong R&D cluster effect to accelerate technology commercialization.
"The Sika Asia-Pacific Coating Innovation Center is another important milestone in our investment in China," said Zhang Yejiong, President of Sika China, in his speech. "From establishing the second-largest global R&D center in China to building a zero-carbon factory and soon launching a new production line for new energy vehicle technologies, Sika remains committed to long-term development in China. The launch of this innovation center allows us to create value for the local market more quickly and deeply."
Sun Zhongfeng, Chairman of Shibei High-Tech Group, warmly welcomed Sika's presence, noting that over 80% of the park's enterprises are technology-oriented, and he looks forward to collaborating with Sika as an innovation leader to drive regional industrial upgrading and economic development.
Innovation-Driven for a Sustainable Future
Mr. Christoph Faeh, Sika Asia-Pacific R&D Head, emphasized that innovation has been Sika's core gene since the company started 115 years ago with a pioneering technology. The newly built Coating Innovation Center is equipped with world-class R&D facilities and will focus on the development and testing of waterborne polyurethane coatings, high-performance industrial coatings, and waterborne architectural coatings.
The center is not only the "core brain" for product R&D but also a "technology accelerator" connecting customers and markets. Zheng Chuanjiang, Strategy and Market Development Director at Sika Building Finishing China Headquarters, stated that the center provides solid technical confidence to address diverse market challenges, and believes innovation capability is fundamental to leading new products and serving the Chinese market.
Under the "dual carbon" goals, the center will develop more environmentally friendly and sustainable coating solutions, including waterborne, high-solid, and bio-based products, strictly complying with Chinese environmental regulations and Sika's global sustainability standards, supporting the industry's green transformation and fulfilling the commitment of "More Value, More Innovation."
