By Lisa Sciortino, Managing Editor of CoatingsPro Magazine

To recognize paints and coatings manufacturers that are leading the industry in innovation, sustainability, education, and commitment, the Master Painters Institute (MPI) celebrated the winners of its 2026 Champion Awards!

The latest edition of the program was held during Tuesday’s presentation on the Student Poster Stage inside the AMPP 2026 Exhibit Hall.

During the event, AMPP CEO Alan Thomas spoke about the important work that manufacturers perform to help protect assets, and keep industries and the environment safe.  

“Manufacturers play a critical role in advancing the technologies and systems that protect our infrastructure, equipment, and facilities,” Thomas said from Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.  “The products you develop are the result of deep expertise, rigorous testing, and a constant commitment to improving performance, durability, and safety. From research and formulation to production and quality control, the work that goes into creating these coatings is both complex and essential.”

“Your innovations help ensure that coatings perform in some of the most demanding environments — protecting assets, extending service life, and helping entire industries operate more reliably and sustainably,” he added. “The performance standards you commit to on a daily basis and the improvements you continue to pursue push the entire field forward.”

Champion Award winners demonstrate outstanding contributions to advancing coatings technology, training, and environmental responsibility. Selections are based on the manufacturers’ MPI approved product list performance; the number of students involved in MPI training programs; or the overall adoption of MPI programs, listings, subscriptions, and promotions.  

Presented by MPI President Pam Nicoletti, the 2026 winners are:

• Product Performance Champion, recognizing the manufacturer most committed to MPI performance testing on their products: Sherwin-Williams  

• Green Performance Champion, honoring the manufacturer committed to green performance in the MPI X-Green categories: Behr Paint  

• Coatings Education Champion, celebrating the manufacturer that prioritizes training and education: Davies Paint Philippines Inc.  

• Commitment Champion, recognizing overall excellence in adopting MPI standards, training, and promotion: Cloverdale Paint
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Additional information about the award-winning manufacturers is available at https://mpi.net/champions.  

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