AkzoNobel Opens Powder Coatings Innovation Lab

A new €7.5 million innovation lab has been inaugurated by AkzoNobel (Amsterdam, Netherlands) at its Sassenheim site, strengthening the company’s largest global R&D center.  

Officially opened by Dutch Minister of Climate and Green Growth, Stientje van Veldhoven, the facility – primarily focused on powder coatings – will help to accelerate the development of more sustainable, solvent-free and energy-efficient coating solutions.  

“We’ve established a global reputation for pioneering product innovation, and the new lab will be pivotal in ensuring that we continue to innovate with impact,” said Frank Vergeer, R&D director of AkzoNobel’s powder coatings business.  

The new lab will mainly focus on accelerating the development of next generation powder coatings—including lower temperature curing technologies that can further reduce energy use—as well as solutions that will support customer productivity improvements. In-depth research will also be carried out to identify new opportunities, such as helping to extend product lifetimes and reduce maintenance and material use.  

By developing these solutions, AkzoNobel will enhance its ability to cut carbon emissions across the value chain. The company has already reduced CO₂ emissions in its own operations (Scopes 1 and 2, baseline 2018) by 50%, four years ahead of schedule.