Kernow Coatings
Kernow Coatings is a UK-based manufacturer of synthetic print media, including PET films, aqueous coatings, and specialty substrates, serving commercial printers and end-users across 40+ countries via its KernowPrint and KernowJet brands, with toll coating and converting services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1973
- HeadquartersPenryn, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Kernow Coatings does
Kernow Coatings Ltd is a UK-headquartered manufacturer of synthetic print media, founded in 1973 (trading from 1974) in Penryn, Cornwall. The company develops and coats polyester (PET) films, polypropylene substrates, and aqueous coatings for dry toner, HP Indigo, wide-format inkjet (UV, latex, eco-solvent), and offset/litho presses, organized under two principal brands: KernowPrint (narrow format / dry toner / HP Indigo) and KernowJet (wide format, including floor and wall graphics, wallcoverings, window and backlit films, and metallic media). Underlying capability is built on proprietary coating technologies (Cobalt Coating Technology for HP Indigo, Sharkskin, STL lamination-elimination, hard-coat, anti-static, and dot adhesive systems) and an in-house R&D and chemistry lab that produced over 226 custom top-coating formulations in 2024.
The company sells through its own e-commerce storefront, dedicated regional sales teams covering UK/EU/ROW and the United States, and toll coating and converting services for third-party substrates. It ships to over 40 countries and serves nine vertical segments spanning commercial printing, medical, military, packaging and labels, retail and promotional, display and advertising, interior décor, design/reprographic, and industrial end-uses. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time sales of branded media, supplemented by professional-services revenue from custom solutions, precision converting (slitting, sheeting, die-cutting), and toll coating. No parent company, external investors, or public listing is disclosed; the company is privately held with 100+ employees and a North American subsidiary (Kernow North America) operating from a US sales and support function.
Recent strategic emphasis is on PVC-free and recyclable product lines, OEM-certified performance (BS5609 marine grade, DIN EN 14904:2006 sports surfaces, EN 13501 fire ratings), and geographic and commercial expansion through 2024 sales director appointments and new product launches in window and backlit films.
Kernow Coatings firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kernow Coatings
- Legal name
- Kernow Coatings Ltd
- Website
- https://kernowcoatings.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1973
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Kernow Coatings is a UK-based manufacturer of synthetic print media, including PET films, aqueous coatings, and specialty substrates, serving commercial printers and end-users across 40+ countries via its KernowPrint and KernowJet brands, with toll coating and converting services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kernow Coatings industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Synthetic Print Media
- NAICS
- Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510), Paint, Coating, and Adhesive Manufacturing (3255)
- SIC
- Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial & Protective Coatings (IMAEAGAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Textile, Leather & Paper Specialty Chemicals (IMAEABAM)
Keywords
Where Kernow Coatings is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Penryn
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Kernow Coatings business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Print Media Products: Sale of synthetic papers, films, adhesives, wallcoverings, floor graphics and specialty print media to commercial printers, businesses and end-users
- Toll Coating Services: Custom coating services for third-party materials, providing protective coatings, specialty finishes and performance-driven solutions for printing, packaging and industrial applications
- Custom Solutions & Converting: Precision converting services (slitting, sheeting, die-cutting) and bespoke product development for customer-specific requirements
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | KernowPrint PRO (PET) White - various thickness options |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Kernow Coatings product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kernow Coatings manufactures and sells synthetic print media and specialty coatings for the digital print industry. Its portfolio includes synthetic papers, PET and polypropylene films, coloured synthetics, adhesives, wallcoverings, floor and wall graphics, window films, metallic films, backlit films, dry-erase films and sign/banner media, sold under the KernowPrint and KernowJet brands for dry toner, HP Indigo and wide format applications. The company also offers toll coating, custom converting and bespoke product development services.
Product overview
Kernow Coatings is a manufacturer of synthetic materials for the print industry with over 50 years of experience. The company offers two primary product brands: KernowPrint (for narrow format/dry toner applications) and KernowJet (for wide format applications). KernowPrint includes synthetic papers, coloured papers, specialty films, adhesives, pre-folds, and HP Indigo-compatible products under the Cobalt technology brand. KernowJet encompasses floor & wall graphics, window films (including MetaliK metallic films and KlearGuard protective laminates), backlit films (Opaline range), printable wallcoverings (KernowJet Interiors), and sign & banner media. The portfolio also includes converting services, custom solutions, and toll coating services. The company emphasizes PVC-free and sustainable products, with many offerings featuring aqueous coatings and recyclable materials.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- KernowPrint: Synthetic papers and pressure-sensitive films for dry toner and laser printing applications, trusted by OEMs with exceptional print quality and antimicrobial technology
- KernowPrint Unlimited
- Cobalt
- KernowJet
- KernowJet Interiors
- KernowJet EventSharK
- KernowJet KlearGuard
- KernowJet FloorSharK
- KernowJet Opaline
- KernowJet MetaliK
- KernowJet KrystalView
- KernowJet WallSharK
- KernowJet Vitrum
Products and services
- KernowPrint PRO (PET) White Ultra-durable, water and tear resistant synthetic paper for dry toner printing, with built-in antimicrobial protection, no lamination required and OEM-certified printer compatibility. Sold to commercial printers and end-user businesses requiring durable office signage, menus, tags and documents.
- KernowPrint ECO PRO Lite Eco-friendly synthetic print media with up to 40% less plastic content and aqueous base coating, designed for indoor displays, outdoor signage, packaging and promotional materials. Targeted at sustainability-focused printers and end-users.
- KernowPrint Desktop (PET) White 2-side matt aqueous coated polyester film optimised for dry toner desktop print applications, with waterproof, tear-proof and greaseproof properties. Targeted at office and small-volume digital print users.
- KernowPrint X (PET) White High-volume laser toner synthetic material with maximum tear strength, rigidity and chemical durability, used for horticultural tags, shelf strips and price labels (US only).
- KernowPrint Antimicrobial Synthetic Dry toner synthetic media with built-in antimicrobial protection delivering up to 99.94% microbe inhibition, targeted at medical, healthcare and other hygiene-sensitive applications.
- KernowPrint Dry Toner Collection Range of synthetic papers and pressure-sensitive films for dry toner/laser printing, including white and coloured synthetic paper, specialty films, adhesives, pre-folds and pre-perforated products. Trusted by OEMs.
- Cobalt for HP Indigo Next generation of durable synthetic paper for HP Indigo Digital Press, featuring Cobalt Coating Technology for deep rich colours, scuff resistance and unmatched ink adhesion. Includes Vivid Colours, Elite and Specialty products.
- KernowPrint Unlimited Range of synthetic papers designed to run seamlessly across Dry Toner, HP Indigo, offset and inkjet presses, with soft flexible sheets and rigid PET sheets aimed at multi-press use and simplified inventory.
- KernowJet Wide Format Collection Wide format print media for bold, high-impact visuals, including floor and wall graphics, window graphics, backlit films, metallic films, wallcoverings and sign and banner products. Designed for signage, banners and displays.
- KernowJet Interiors Wallcoverings Premium printable wallcoverings for interior design, including Bright Gold, Bright Silver, Structured Silver, Smooth Cream, Smooth Pearl and Recyclable finishes, on 100% PVC-free substrate and topcoat. Targeted at interior designers, hospitality, workplace and luxury residential.
- KernowJet Recyclable Wallpaper Eco-conscious printable wallpaper made from 100% recycled materials, 100% recyclable, PVC-free, plasticiser-free and fibreglass-free, with fire rating B-s1 d0 to EN 13501-1. Targeted at sustainability-focused interior design projects.
- KernowJet MetaliK Permanent (PET) Highly reflective metallic film in silver and gold finishes with permanent adhesive, with silver designs lasting 3 years outdoors and gold for 1 year. Used for product labels, signage, POS materials and decorative graphics.
- KernowJet MetaliK Removable (PET) Premium metallic film with removable adhesive in mirror-like Silver and Gold finishes, easy to apply and remove without residue, ideal for temporary signage, seasonal promotions and double-sided window applications.
- KernowJet FloorSharK Anti-slip floor graphic (PET) engineered for high-traffic industrial environments, with scratch and chemical resistance, suitable for hard floors and low-pile carpets, compatible with solvent, latex and UV inks.
- KernowJet EventSharK (PP) Short-term, PVC-free floor and wall graphic with innovative dot adhesive for easy installation and residue-free removal, featuring Sharkskin coating, R10 slip rating and DIN EN 14904:2006 certification for indoor sports surfaces.
- KernowJet KlearGuard (PET) PVC-free hard-coat protective laminate combining dry-erase performance with surface protection, engineered with advanced scratch resistance and dry-wipe anti-staining formula for offices, classrooms and industrial environments.
- KernowJet Opaline Satin (PET) Backlit film with satin finish for illuminated displays, with light-diffusing back-coat, scratch-resistant surface, anti-static treatment and weather-resistant properties, compatible with UV inks.
- KernowJet KrystalView (PET) Optically clear PET window film for premium glass applications, with vibrant print quality, long-term durability and easy wet application, compatible with Eco Solvent, Latex and UV inks. Designed for retail, workplace, hospitality and architectural glass graphics.
- KernowJet WallSharK (PET) Wall graphic film for interior wall applications that transforms walls into high-impact visual communication surfaces, with easy installation and removal.
- KernowJet Kling (PP) Clear window film for glass surfaces with easy wet application and clean removal without residue, ideal for retail window graphics and seasonal promotions.
- Ultimate Lightblock Roll-Up & Pop-Up Film (PET) Premium roll-up and pop-up film with lightblock technology for professional signage displays, blocking light effectively for optimal graphic presentation.
- KernowPrint PRO Speciality Products Specialty print media including Backlit, Clear Film, Double Gloss, Frosted and Matt/Gloss products for vivid backlit signs, product displays, crystal-clear windows and unique texture effects.
- Adhesives Collection High-performance adhesive solutions for labels, films and specialty applications, including Permanent, Removable, Ultra Removable and Marine Grade adhesive options.
- KernowPrint Coloured Synthetic Paper Vibrant, durable synthetic sheets in Pastels and Vivids colours for promotional materials, safety documents and creative printing projects.
- Converting Services Precision converting services including slitting, sheeting and reel-to-sheet converting for customer-supplied materials, with tight tolerances and fast turnaround.
- Toll Coating Premium toll coating services delivering high-performance, custom coating solutions including protective coatings, specialty finishes and performance-driven solutions for printing, packaging, industrial manufacturing and specialty media markets.
Quantifiable outcome
- Antimicrobial protection with up to 99.94% microbe inhibition
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Kernow Coatings
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Kernow Coatings technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Kernow Coatings partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- Plant OnecoreCommunity Interest Company partnership that brings businesses, individuals and landowners together to plant trees in Cornish soil. Kernow Coatings actively participates in physically planting trees as part of their sustainability initiatives.
- swissQprintflagshipTeamed up with swissQprint to showcase the KernowJet Opaline Satin using vibrant neon pink ink, demonstrating the product's capabilities for illuminated graphics applications.
- Woodland TrustcorePartnership for sustainable woodland through tree planting initiatives. Kernow Coatings has received the Sustainable Woodland Trust Certificate.
- ValpakminorLeading provider of environmental compliance. Kernow Coatings was awarded the recycling and recovery obligations fulfilment certificate by Valpak.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Kernow Coatings competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sihl: Sihl is a direct competitor in coated papers, films and specialty substrates for digital printing (inkjet, toner, HP Indigo), with strong parallels to KernowPrint's product line and cross-press technology.
- Drytac: Drytac is a direct competitor offering coated films, mounting adhesives, laminates and printable media for sign, display, and graphics — overlapping heavily with KernowJet's wide-format range and Kernow's adhesive line.
- Arlon Graphics: Arlon produces cast and calendered films, printable media, and graphic substrates for signage, vehicle wraps, and architectural finishes — a direct overlap with Kernow's wide-format film portfolio.
- Continental Grafix: Continental Grafix manufactures specialty printable films, window graphics, and self-adhesive media for wide-format and interior applications — directly comparable to KernowJet's wallcoverings, window films, and floor graphics.
- Mactac (Lintec Group): Mactac, part of Lintec, makes pressure-sensitive adhesive films, labels, and graphic media — directly comparable to Kernow's adhesives collection and printable film products.
Broad incumbents
- Avery Dennison: Avery Dennison is a global incumbent in label materials, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and graphic films — overlapping with Kernow's adhesive films, labels, and wide-format product categories but at vastly greater scale.
- Fedrigoni: Fedrigoni is a global specialty papers and self-adhesive materials producer with a much broader portfolio; competes in label stocks, premium papers, and printable wallcoverings, overlapping with Kernow's labels and interior décor lines.
- HP (HP Indigo / Print): HP is a strategic partner via HP Indigo certification for Kernow's Cobalt technology, but also a potential vertical integrator in substrates and a broad incumbent across the digital print ecosystem.
- 3M (Commercial Solutions Division): 3M's Commercial Solutions division produces graphic films, sign-face substrates, and protective laminates — a broad incumbent with overlapping products across Kernow's wide-format and laminating categories.
- Fujifilm: Fujifilm produces wide-format print media, inkjet substrates, and graphic films through its Imaging and Graphic Systems divisions — a broad incumbent with overlap in media substrates and potential to vertically integrate coatings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kernow Coatings social profiles
Digital presenceKernow Coatings financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kernow Coatings leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
Kernow Coatings funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kernow Coatings M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kernow Coatings
What does Kernow Coatings do?
Kernow Coatings manufactures and sells synthetic print media and specialty coatings for the digital print industry. Its portfolio includes synthetic papers, PET and polypropylene films, coloured synthetics, adhesives, wallcoverings, floor and wall graphics, window films, metallic films, backlit films, dry-erase films and sign/banner media, sold under the KernowPrint and KernowJet brands for dry toner, HP Indigo and wide format applications. The company also offers toll coating, custom converting and bespoke product development services.
Is Kernow Coatings a public or private company?
Kernow Coatings is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Kernow Coatings founded?
Kernow Coatings was founded in 1973. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Kernow Coatings based?
Kernow Coatings is headquartered in Penryn, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Kernow Coatings make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Print Media Products are the primary driver. The others are toll Coating Services and custom Solutions & Converting.
Who are Kernow Coatings's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sihl, Drytac, Arlon Graphics, Continental Grafix and Mactac (Lintec Group). Broad incumbents are Avery Dennison, Fedrigoni, HP (HP Indigo / Print), 3M (Commercial Solutions Division) and Fujifilm.
Does Kernow Coatings have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kernow Coatings.
What industry is Kernow Coatings in?
Kernow Coatings's product category is Synthetic Print Media. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEAGAB, Industrial & Protective Coatings, with a secondary code of IMAEABAM, Textile, Leather & Paper Specialty Chemicals. Its NAICS code is 325510 and its SIC code is 2851.