AkzoNobel has developed what it says is the vehicle refinish industry’s first repair calculator for measuring, managing, and reducing carbon emissions. Designed to help customers improve their carbon footprint when using the company’s premium refinish products, CO2eRepairCalculator is part of a new initiative which aims to encourage body shops to become more sustainable.
According to AkzoNobel, the tool identifies carbon levels associated with the painting and drying process, including the energy consumed, and is linked directly to the vehicle refinishing products used. It also provides data relating to the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), helping customers understand where improvements can be made.
“We’re very proud to have introduced another industry first, which is a great example of how we’re driving sustainability beyond our own operations,” said Patrick Bourguignon, Managing Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. “The company has set a science-based sustainability target to halve its carbon emissions across the full value chain by 2030. Achieving that ambition will rely heavily on collaborating with partners and challenging each other to find innovative ways to overcome the unprecedented challenges everyone faces.”
AkzoNobel said emissions and energy consumption calculations are based on a controlled two-panel repair in a spray booth to Greenhouse Gas Protocol accounting standards. The results are presented in an online dashboard, which allows local energy prices to be factored in.
“The CO2eRepairCalculator shows body shops how changes in the products they use, and the processes they follow, can have a direct impact on reducing carbon emissions and energy costs, as well as improving their productivity,” said Georgia Collins, Commercial Marketing Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business.
“The tool is part of our global initiative for body shops to ‘rethink’ sustainability throughout the entire refinishing journey. By showing actual figures, we’ll increase customer awareness and support them on their journey towards becoming a more sustainable business.”
AkzoNobel said the launch of the calculator makes it easier for body shops to take positive action to meet sustainability and carbon reduction targets, as insurance companies pressure preferred body shop partners to cut emissions in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The CO2eRepairCalculator is being introduced in the UK market to Sikkens customers with Lesonal to follow shortly, with a rollout across markets in Europe during the next few months following after that. We asked AkzoNobel for more detailed information about local launch plans and will update the story if we receive a response.