The 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France, witnessed over 1,400 competitors from approximately 70 countries and regions showcase their talents across various skills. Among the standout competitions was Car Painting, where BASF's Coatings division served as the exclusive global industry partner, introducing groundbreaking sustainability measures through its innovative Glasurit 100 Line products.
Twenty-three skilled car painters competed in an intensive four-day challenge that emphasized both technical excellence and environmental responsibility. Japan's Yuto Hoshino claimed the gold medal, while three European painters shared the silver medal: Switzerland's Lara Kaufmann, Germany's Jason Scherer, and France's Ronan Le Tutour.
The competition marked a significant shift toward sustainable practices in automotive refinishing. For the first time, contestants were evaluated not only on their painting skills but also on their eco-efficiency throughout the application process. Using Glasurit 100 Line, Refinity technology, and materials from partners SATA and 3M, competitors were challenged to achieve superior results while minimizing material waste and environmental impact.
BASF's comprehensive training program prepared all finalists through digital webinars, online courses, and sessions at world-class Refinish Competence Centres. This hybrid approach ensured that participants understood both traditional techniques and modern sustainability principles.
The newly introduced Sustainability Practice Award recognized competitors who demonstrated the most efficient material usage. Yuto Hoshino from Japan earned first place in this eco-effectiveness category, followed by India's Vikash in second place and Chinese Taipei's Hui-Shan Chen in third.
WorldSkills International CEO David Hoey praised BASF's commitment to sustainability, noting how the company has placed environmental responsibility at thecenter of skills development. He emphasized that such initiatives align with government, industry, and education strategies worldwide.
Chris Titmarsh, Senior Vice President of Global Automotive Refinish Coatings at BASF, highlighted how the competition raised industry standards. He stressed the company's commitment to developing a diverse, highly skilled workforce capable of leading sustainable collision repair practices.
This year's event demonstrated that technical excellence and environmental stewardship can successfully coexist in professional training. The competition's success in Lyon sets the stage for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, scheduled for Shanghai in 2026, building upon the foundation established at the world's first
WorldSkills Museum, which opened in Shanghai in 2023 with BASF's Glasurit brand featured prominently.
