TAGS: Powder Coatings Sustainability / Natural Coatings
AkzoNobel builds two new research labs at its Sassenheim site in the Netherlands. It is to further propel the company’s pioneering product development. Work is about to start on building a technology center for powder coatings, while a new polymer lab has just opened which will develop innovative resin technologies for all the company’s businesses. The Sassenheim site is AkzoNobel’s largest global R&D center.
Investment of Around €8 Million
The total investment in the Sassenheim site amounts to around €8 million. The facility already houses the biggest R&D teams in Europe for the company’s Decorative Paint and Automotive and Specialty Coatings businesses. The addition of the two new labs will help the company further build on its global reputation for pioneering product development focused on providing creative solutions for customers.
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Creating the new powder coatings lab will enable us to carry out the fundamental research needed to continue to innovate with impact and bring more sustainable products to the market,” said Roger Jakeman, chief technology officer, AkzoNobel.
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By developing new technologies for the future, we’ll unlock more customer and application opportunities while supporting multiple options, including low bake cure. This will further enhance our ability to cut carbon emissions across the value chain,” continued Jakeman.
The recently opened polymer lab is a part of the company’s research organization. It will mainly focus on the development of more sustainable polymer technologies and new coatings to support AkzoNobel’s ambition to halve carbon emissions across the value chain by 2030. AkzoNobel has spent more than €1.25 billion on research and development over the last five years.
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The performance of a paint or coating is largely defined by the design of the resins used,” added Jakeman. “
They’re a vital ingredient in the manufacturing process. The new lab will therefore play an important role in boosting our capabilities and strengthen our industry-leading expertise.”
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AkzoNobel's investment in these two new research laboratories underlines the company's commitment to sustainable product development in our region and in the Netherlands. We’re proud that this initiative is taking shape in our municipality,” said Carla Breuer, mayor of Teylingen, the municipality where Sassenheim is located.
Source: AkzoNobel