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Our 1st Podcast
The human factor
in digitalisation
The first podcast of the new podcast season of European Coatings is now online. Episode 1 - The human factor in digitalisation. This is for us also the first podcast.
Yeray López Arauco is chatting with our CEO, Detlef Gysau, about digitalisation and automation. Following the success of the EC Conference "Digitalisation in Coatings Formulation" in Cologne in November 5-6, 2025, we will be exploring how mindset and the human factor affect the transition to a digital-driven industry.
The podcast is available on different channels:
Source: Presentation of Dominik Zahs, Heinrich Heine University / Foto: Detlef Gysau
European Coatings Conference
Digitalisation in Coatings Formulation
Bridging Data, Collaboration, and Culture – Key Takeaways from the European Coatings Conference on Digitalisation in Coatings Formulation, Cologne, 5th to 6th November 2025.
Challenges and opportunities of digital transformation within R&D workflows, focusing on how closed-loop digital systems and data-driven decision-making can accelerate innovation. Key themes included:
- Efficiency & Skillsets: Closed-loop workflows are delivering measurable gains, yet defining the right digital skillsets remains a challenge.
- Data Governance: Effective AI requires reliable, high-quality data — and strong data governance is key to achieving it.
- Data Life Cycle Management: Integrating diverse and unstructured data sources remains one of the greatest hurdles, particularly in linking formulations with performance results.
- Collaboration & Culture: The success of digitalization depends as much on people as on technology — breaking down silos, fostering collaboration, and cultivating a culture open to change.
- Practical Implementation: Starting small and scaling successful initiatives helps organizations build confidence and sustain transformation momentum.
Central message to take home:
Digital transformation in coatings is not only about tools and systems — it’s about connecting people, data, and processes to unlock innovation.
PERFECO is joining the Coatings Conference
"Digitalisation in Coatings Formulation"
Join as well and meet Detlef Gysau, CEO of PERFECO, to discuss strategies for your customized start into lab automation, independent of any supplier agenda.
Official Distribution
of PENTACHEM
Beginning of July 2025 PERFECO GmbH is partnering with PENTACHEM and distributes the comprehensive portfolio of additives for applications in construction and paint industries in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Pentachem, manufacturer and supplier since 1994, produces in its plant in S. Clemente (Rimini – Italy), chemical additives for the construction industry, chemical additives for cement-based and gypsum-based mixtures, additives for ready-made plaster of all type, for smoothing compounds and cement glues, thickeners and additives for all types of high-strength and shrinkage-free mortars for renovation and restoration. In addition, Pentachem has an attractive portfolio for paint applications covering cellulose based thickeners plus defoamers, dispersing and wetting agents. Click more for further information.
Founding Ceremony of PERFECO GmbH
The official founding of PERFECO GmbH in Switzerland Innovation's Park Innovaare in Villigen marked a significant milestone in the company's still young history. With the aim of establishing its vision of innovation and excellence as the standard rather than the exception in the industry, the company, newly founded by Detlef Gysau with 40 years of industry experience, presented itself to the public for the first time. Numerous guests and stakeholders attended the event – including the founders and shareholders, employees, customers and prominent representatives from business and academia – to celebrate the launch together.
A highlight of the afternoon on Friday, 13 June 2025, were the inspiring speeches by founder Detlef Gysau, Robert Rudolph, CEO of Park Innovaare, Marcus Köhnlein, CEO of Quarero Robotics, and Prof. Dr. Patrick Gane from Aalto University in Finland and the University of Belgrade.
The event not only provided the setting for the official presentation of PERFECO GmbH and a tour of the laboratory, but also showcased ideas and solutions for sustainable innovation. The holistic approach generated enthusiasm among the participants, laying a solid foundation for the future development and long-term success of the company.
We’ve Moved! PERFECO GmbH at Park Innovaare – Starting May 1st, 2025
We’re excited to announce that PERFECO has moved to a new home! As of May 1st, 2025, you can find us at the vibrant innovation hub:
PERFECO GmbH
Park Innovaare
Parkstrasse 1
5234 Villigen,
Switzerland
Our new location at Park Innovaare places us in the heart of one of Switzerland’s leading ecosystems for cutting-edge research and high-tech innovation — right next to the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI).
This move reflects our ongoing commitment to growth, collaboration, and delivering even more value to our clients and partners in the fields of lab automation, digitalisation, and advanced materials.
We look forward to welcoming you at our new offices and laboratory!
Let’s shape the future of innovation – together.
A big thank you to everyone I had the chance to meet, exchange ideas with, and learn from during the European Coatings Show. Your insights, discussions, and shared expertise made this event truly inspiring.
From conversations about mineral fillers and formulation innovations to exciting developments and strategies in laboratory automation, it was great to see how our industry continues to evolve.
What an exciting start at the ECS 2025! Having the first copy of my new textbook in my hands. I’m very grateful to my editor Gisela Gehrenkemper and Vincentz Network GmbH & Co. KG, see also my interview in the ECS daily 2.
Your neutral expert for
automated lab solutions
At PERFECO we are your experts for laboratory automation solutions for the paints, coatings & adhesives industry. Our supplier neutral expertise provides you advice before you invest into capital intensive automated R&D processes. Our long-term experiences of more than 15 years and a deep understanding of the supplier industry supporting your journey of digital transformation. Trust in our expertise to revolutionize your laboratory operations and develop customized solutions that perfectly match your specific requirements.
Discover the future of coatings development with the new EC Tech Report on AUTOMATION and DIGITALISATION!
How are the megatrends automation and digitalisation changing the coatings industry and in which areas are new technologies already being implemented? Curated specifically for coatings professionals, this multimedia EC Tech Report provides an in-depth exploration of how cutting-edge technologies are currently transforming the industry.
See my two contributions in the chapter "Take the fast lane with automation".
Do you want to know more about mineral manufacturers and their products?
Mineral fillers are very diverse and users can quickly lose track of them. What do you want to learn?
- Manufacturers
- Product portfolio
- Presence & locations
- Resources
- Costs & prices
- Decarbonization potential
PERFECO Filler Academy
Benefit form the competencies of more than 35 years experiences in the paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, building materials, mineral fillers and lab automation. Get in contact with us to schedule your individual trainings on site or online.
Module 1
Characterization of mineral fillers by chemistry, mineralogy, crystallinity
Module 2
Testing of mineral fillers and their analytics for composition, purity and classification
Module 3 & 4
Application of mineral fillers in architectural, industrial and OEM coatings
Module 5
Differences of mineral filler groups (carbonates, silicas, silicates, sulfates, light weight fillers and more)
Module 6
Performance prediction of paints, coatings, adhesives & sealants and building materials based on filler composition
Module 7 & 8
Cost optimization and impact of mineral fillers on sustainability and decarbonization in coatings
Distributor Days at KMI
During the Distributor Days at the Kärnter Montanindustrie (KMI) in June 2023, I was invited to present technology trends in the coatings and mineral filler industry.
Many thanks for the invitation to Graf Andreas Henckel von Donnersmarck.
SVLFC
General Assembly 2023
The annual general assembly 2023 of the Swiss Association of the Paints & Coatings Chemist took place on invitation of Omya in Oftringen, Switzerland.
