Global paints and coatings company AkzoNobel achieved its ambitious goal of reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions by 50%, reaching the milestone four years ahead of its 2030 target. The achievement marks a significant step in the company’s journey toward becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and reinforces its commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
The target, established in 2020 and validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), was measured against the company’s 2018 emissions baseline. Achieving the goal well ahead of schedule highlights how sustainability has become an integral part of AkzoNobel’s global operations and business strategy.
Sustainability Embedded Across Operations
Over the past several years, AkzoNobel has integrated carbon reduction initiatives into its day-to-day operations, enabling the company to significantly lower emissions across its manufacturing network. Today, the company operates on 100% renewable electricity across North America, Latin America, and Europe, covering approximately 69% of its manufacturing sites. More recently, AkzoNobel completed its transition to renewable electricity in South Africa and Vietnam, bringing the total number of locations powered entirely by renewable electricity to 92 worldwide. These initiatives have played a crucial role in helping the company achieve its emissions reduction target well ahead of schedule.
Leadership Focused on Climate Action
Wijnand Bruinsma, Director of Sustainability at AkzoNobel, said the company remains committed to leading the industry’s transition toward a low-carbon future. “We set out a clear vision to become carbon neutral by 2050 and we’re very proud to have taken an important step towards realizing that goal.” He added that AkzoNobel aims not only to lead the global paints and coatings industry through innovation but also to set benchmarks in sustainability. According to Bruinsma, reducing emissions within the company’s own operations is essential to encouraging suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders across the value chain to accelerate their own decarbonisation efforts.
Renewable Energy Investments Drive Emissions Reduction
One of the most significant contributors to AkzoNobel’s emissions reduction programme has been its manufacturing facility in Pilawa, Poland. The company recently invested €1.7 million to replace conventional gas-fired boilers at the site with high-efficiency heat pumps, significantly reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the facility hosts AkzoNobel’s largest solar energy installation in Europe. Operational since 2024, the solar plant comprises 3,551 photovoltaic panels, generating renewable electricity to support the site’s manufacturing activities while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. These investments demonstrate the company’s continued focus on improving energy efficiency and expanding renewable energy adoption across its operations.
Next Focus: Reducing Scope 3 Emissions
While AkzoNobel has successfully achieved its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions target, the company is now intensifying efforts to reduce Scope 3 emissions across its broader value chain. The company has set an equally ambitious goal of halving value chain carbon emissions by 2030. However, achieving this target presents greater complexity because Scope 3 emissions include those generated by suppliers, logistics providers, customers, and product use throughout the lifecycle. Bruinsma acknowledged the challenge but emphasized that AkzoNobel continues to work closely with suppliers, customers, and industry partners to accelerate progress.
Digital Innovation Supports Customer Sustainability
As part of its broader sustainability strategy, AkzoNobel is also developing solutions that help customers reduce their own environmental footprint. A recent example is the Eco+ Cure Energy Calculator, launched under the company’s Interpon powder coatings brand. The digital tool analyses operational parameters—including gas consumption, oven temperatures, and production throughput—to help manufacturers reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, decrease carbon emissions and improve production efficiency. By providing actionable insights, the solution enables customers to make informed operational decisions while supporting their own decarbonisation objectives.
Advancing Toward a Net-Zero Future
AkzoNobel’s early achievement of its 50% carbon emissions reduction target underscores the company’s long-term commitment to climate action and sustainable industrial growth. With renewable energy adoption, energy-efficient manufacturing technologies, and collaborative initiatives across its value chain, the company continues to build momentum toward its 2050 carbon neutrality goal. As per the press release, as industries worldwide accelerate their transition to low-carbon operations, AkzoNobel’s progress demonstrates how strategic investments and operational innovation can deliver measurable environmental impact while supporting long-term business resilience.
