AkzoNobel has inaugurated a new $8.7 million powder coatings innovation lab at its Sassenheim site in the Netherlands.
Company officials say the facility, primarily focused on powder coatings, will accelerate 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.
“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, research and development director of AkzoNobel’s powder coatings business. “As well as strengthening our leadership in powder coating technologies, this investment will also expand the company’s wider innovation capabilities in coating performance, application and advanced particle analysis.”
Officials say that by developing these solutions, AkzoNobel will enhance its ability to cut carbon emissions across the value chain. They note that the company has already reduced carbon emissions in its own operations (Scopes 1 and 2, baseline 2018) by 50%, four years ahead of schedule.