Alexandria, VA — The Powder Coating Institute, the North American association of manufacturers of powder coating materials, application equipment and related services and equipment, announces the creation of a new Powder Coated Tough trademark.

Along the lines of other industry icons of product quality, such as the WoolMark and Cotton Seal, the Powder Coated Mark will be used by manufacturers of consumer products and durable goods to identify their products as having a powder coated finish.

Extensive research shows that consumers want a tough, beautiful, high-quality product finish that stands up to weather, abuse, and everyday use. The powder coating process produces such a finish, and in addition, it offers another advantage: the application process is environmentally friendly, virtually pollution-free.

According to Greg Bocchi, Executive Director of The Powder Coating Institute, "The Powder Coated Tough trademark will be a powerful marketing tool, making powder coated products highly visible at the point of sale, and helping the consumer bring to mind the important quality benefits of a powder coated finish."

Powder coatings are now used on thousands of parts and products, including major appliances, power tools, motorcycles, automobiles, lawn and garden furniture, sporting goods, toys, aircraft parts, architectural parts, office equipment, and baby strollers and furniture.

For more information, contact: The Powder Coating Institute, 2121 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 401, Alexandria, VA 22314, or call (703) 684-1770 or (800) 988-COAT or e-mail pci-info@powdercoating.org.