AkzoNobel is building two research laboratories at its Sassenheim site in the Netherlands to boost product development. Work is about to commence on a technology centre for powder coatings, while a recently opened polymer laboratory will develop innovative resin technologies for all the company’s businesses.
The total investment in the Sassenheim site – AkzoNobel’s largest global R&D centre – amounts to around €8 million. The facility houses the biggest R&D teams in Europe for the company’s automotive coatings, specialty coatings and decorative paint businesses.
“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 of AkzoNobel.
“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.”
The polymer lab – part of the company’s research organisation – will accommodate 15 scientists. 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.
“The performance of a paint or coating is largely defined by the design of the resins used,” said 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.”
Carla Breuer, Mayor of Teylingen, the municipality where Sassenheim is located, said: “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.”