AkzoNobel inaugurated a €7.5 million innovation laboratory at its Sassenheim site in the Netherlands, further strengthening the company’s largest global research and development (R&D) centre. The facility, which focuses primarily on powder coatings, will accelerate the development of more sustainable, solvent-free and energy-efficient coating solutions. The laboratory is expected to support AkzoNobel’s efforts to develop advanced technologies while addressing the evolving sustainability needs of customers and industries.
Advancing Next-Generation Powder Coatings
The laboratory will focus on developing next-generation powder coating technologies, including lower-temperature curing solutions. These technologies can help customers reduce energy consumption during coating processes while improving overall production efficiency. According to Frank Vergeer, R&D Director of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business, the facility will play a key role in advancing the company’s product innovation capabilities. He said the investment will not only strengthen AkzoNobel’s position in powder coating technologies but also expand its capabilities in coating performance, application technology and advanced particle analysis.
Improving Customer Productivity and Product Life
Beyond energy efficiency, AkzoNobel will use the new laboratory to explore innovative solutions that can improve customer productivity. Furthermore, researchers will investigate ways to extend product lifetimes while reducing maintenance requirements and material consumption. These developments could help customers improve operational efficiency and reduce the overall environmental impact of their coating processes.
Supporting Lower Carbon Emissions
By developing more efficient and durable coating solutions, AkzoNobel aims to reduce carbon emissions across the value chain. The company has already made significant progress in reducing emissions from its own operations. AkzoNobel reports that it has cut Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO₂ emissions by 50% from its 2018 baseline, achieving this milestone four years ahead of its original schedule.
Strengthening Coatings Innovation
The €7.5 million investment reinforces AkzoNobel’s commitment to advancing powder coatings innovation and sustainable coating technologies. As per the press release, with a stronger R&D platform, the company aims to develop solutions that combine energy efficiency, lower environmental impact, improved product performance and greater customer productivity. Consequently, the new innovation lab is positioned to support the next generation of sustainable coatings for global markets.
