AkzoNobel invests in Dutch research laboratories

Construction of a technology center for powder coatings will begin shortly, while a new polymer laboratory has been opened to develop innovative resin technologies for all of the company's business units. The total investment in the Sassenheim site - AkzoNobel's largest global R&D center - amounts to around EUR 8 million. The facility already houses the largest research and development teams in Europe for the company's Decorative Paint and Automotive and Specialty Coatings business units. The two new laboratories will help the company to build on its global reputation as a pioneer in product development and provide creative solutions for its customers. "The establishment of the new powder coatings laboratory will enable us to conduct the fundamental research we need to continue bringing innovative and sustainable products to market," explains Roger Jakeman, AkzoNobel's Chief Technology Officer.

"By developing new technologies for the future, we will open up more customer and application opportunities while supporting multiple options, including low burnout curing. This will further enhance our ability to reduce carbon emissions across the value chain." The recently opened polymer lab - part of the company's research organization - will house 15 scientists. It will focus primarily on developing more sustainable polymer technologies and new coatings to support AkzoNobel's goal of halving carbon emissions across the value chain by 2030. "The performance of a paint or coating is largely determined by the design of the resins used," Jakeman continues. "They are an essential part of the manufacturing process. The new lab will therefore play an important role in expanding our capabilities and strengthening our industry-leading expertise." AkzoNobel employs around 3,000 R&D professionals in 70 laboratories worldwide and has spent more than €1.25 billion on research and development over the last five years.