AkzoNobel Share: A €7.5M Innovation Laboratory Inaugurated in the Netherlands
The Dutch paints and coatings group has established this facility on its Sassenheim site, which it presents as its largest global research and development center.
The investment is part of the strategy to develop solvent-free coating solutions and less energy-consuming alternatives.
A €7.5M Laboratory Focused on Powder Coatings
AkzoNobel has inaugurated a €7.5M innovation laboratory that strengthens the research capabilities already present on the site. The facility was officially opened by Stientje van Veldhoven, Dutch Minister for Climate and Green Growth.
The laboratory is primarily dedicated to powder coatings. According to the company, it aims to accelerate the development of more sustainable coating solutions, solvent-free and energy-efficient.
Frank Vergeer, R&D Director of AkzoNobel's Powder Coatings business, stated that this investment should strengthen the group's powder coating technologies and expand its capabilities in terms of performance, application and advanced particle analysis.
Research Axes Focused on Energy Efficiency
The laboratory will focus on developing next-generation powder coatings, including lower-temperature curing technologies designed to reduce energy consumption, as well as solutions aimed at improving customer productivity.
In-depth research work will also be conducted to identify new opportunities, such as extending product lifespan or reducing maintenance and material usage. AkzoNobel states it has already reduced its CO₂ emissions by 50% on its own operations (Scopes 1 and 2, 2018 baseline), four years ahead of schedule.
The group employs approximately 2,700 R&D professionals worldwide distributed across 70 laboratories, and reports having invested more than €1.3 billion in research and development over the past five years.
