€7.5m Lab Opens: How AkzoNobel Plans to Cut Shipping’s Carbon Footprint
AkzoNobel’s new €7.5 million innovation lab in the Netherlands targets solvent-free.
AkzoNobel has inaugurated a new €7.5 million innovation laboratory at its Sassenheim facility in the Netherlands, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable coating technologies. The lab, part of the company’s largest global research and development center, will focus on advancing powder coatings—solutions that eliminate solvents and reduce energy consumption during application.
The facility was officially opened by Dutch Minister of Climate and Green Growth, Stientje van Veldhoven, who emphasized its alignment with national priorities. “This lab demonstrates that sustainability and economic growth are not mutually exclusive,” she stated. “It positions the Netherlands at the forefront of clean technology development.”
Driving sustainability through innovation: powder coatings
The lab’s primary goal is to accelerate the creation of next-generation powder coatings, including formulations that cure at lower temperatures. These advancements could significantly cut energy use in industrial processes while improving durability. Researchers will also explore ways to extend product lifespans, reduce maintenance requirements, and minimize material waste—key factors in lowering carbon emissions across supply chains.
Frank Vergeer, R&D Director of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business, highlighted the strategic importance of the investment. “This lab will strengthen our leadership in powder coating technologies while expanding our capabilities in performance optimization and advanced particle analysis,” he said. The company’s existing progress supports this ambition: AkzoNobel has already halved its operational CO₂ emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) since 2018, achieving this target four years ahead of schedule.
A global commitment to research
The Sassenheim lab is the latest addition to AkzoNobel’s extensive R&D network, which includes 70 laboratories worldwide and employs 2,700 professionals. Over the past five years, the company has invested more than €1.3 billion in research, reflecting its long-term focus on innovation. The new facility will not only benefit the maritime sector—where corrosion-resistant coatings are critical—but also industries seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional solvent-based solutions.
With the lab now operational, AkzoNobel aims to deliver coatings that meet evolving environmental regulations while enhancing efficiency for customers. The developments emerging from Sassenheim could set new standards for performance and sustainability in industrial coatings.
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