BASF, AkzoNobel & Arkema: Reducing the CO2 footprint of powder coatings

The carbon footprint of AkzoNobel's Interpon brand of super durable powder coatings has been reduced by up to 40%2 thanks to an ongoing partnership with Arkema and BASF along the value chain. This means that the super durable Interpon D range can now make an even greater contribution to reducing CO2 emissions over the entire life cycle of a building. The improvement has been made possible through the use of supplier-specific PCF (Product Carbon Footprint) data and the sourcing of bio-attributed raw materials. Previously, the carbon footprint calculations were based on general industry averages for polyester resins. Thanks to supplier-specific PCF data, these calculations are now more accurate as they better reflect important variables such as investments in process efficiency and the use of renewable electricity by the partners involved.

Case study on powder coatings with a lower carbon footprint

Further benefits come from the use of BASF's bio-attributed raw materials with a zero PCF. Arkema processes these bio-attributed raw materials to reduce the carbon footprint of low and standard temperature curing super long-life powder coating resins for AkzoNobel. The three partners have published a case study that provides further insight into the transition to powder coatings with a lower carbon footprint and details of the methods and calculations used. "This initiative reflects our commitment to provide more sustainable solutions through innovation and collaboration," explains Vasilios Galanos, Senior Vice President Intermediates Europe at BASF. "Our vision is to be the preferred partner for sustainable intermediates for our customers. By supplying NPG in a biomass-balanced version produced with renewable electricity (NPG ZeroPCF), we support our partners in the value chain in achieving their sustainability goals while contributing to the realization of our own vision."

Powder coating curing at low temperatures

Jeff Jirak, Director of Powder Coatings at AkzoNobel, adds: "This collaboration is a big step for the paints and coatings industry. Our customers need solutions that support their environmental goals and green building certifications. By working together across the entire value chain, we are taking significant steps to reduce the carbon footprint while demonstrating our unwavering commitment to sustainability." Richard Jenkins, Senior Vice President Coating Solutions and Board Member at Arkema, adds: "By utilizing renewable bioattribution through mass balancing and sustainable innovation, we are enabling continuous improvement in low temperature curing solutions and increased durability. We can achieve even more when it comes to decarbonizing the entire value chain. Together we are developing the next generation of powder coating solutions with lower carbon emissions for the construction industry." The super-durable paint ranges and low-e architectural powder coatings produced by Interpon in Europe now use low-emission, bio-attributed materials. As a result, they can play an important role in reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment. The three parties plan to increase collaboration along the value chain and welcome a wider network of partners to accelerate the transformation of the paint and coatings industry towards a more sustainable future.