AkzoNobel, Arkema, and BASF join forces to cut the carbon footprint of architectural powder coatings

The carbon footprint of AkzoNobel’s Interpon superdurable architectural powder coatings is up to 40% lower, achieved through a continued value chain collaboration with Arkema and BASF.

As a result, the superdurable Interpon D series can now contribute even more to the reduction of embodied carbon over a building's lifecycle.

The improvement was achieved by combining supplier-specific product carbon footprint (PCF) data with the use of bio-attributed raw materials. In the past, carbon footprint calculations relied on generic industry averages for polyester resins. By switching to supplier-specific PCF data, the calculations have become more precise, as they now account for key factors such as process efficiency investments and the use of renewable electricity by the partners.

Additional benefits come from using BASF’s bio-attributed raw materials, which carry a product carbon footprint (PCF) of zero. Arkema then processes these materials to lower the carbon footprint of low- and standard-temperature cure superdurable powder coating resins supplied to AkzoNobel.

The three partners have published an industry case study that shares insights into the move toward powder coatings with a lower carbon footprint, including the methodology and calculations behind it.

“This collaboration is a major step forward for the paints and coatings industry,” explains Jeff Jirak, Director of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business. “Our customers require solutions that support their environmental goals and green building certification. By working across the value chain, we’re taking meaningful steps towards carbon footprint reduction, while also demonstrating our unwavering commitment to sustainability.”

Vasilios Galanos, Senior Vice-President, Intermediates Europe, BASF, adds: “This initiative reflects our commitment to offering more sustainable solutions through innovation and collaboration. Our vision is to be the preferred partner for sustainable intermediates for our customers. By supplying neopentyl glycol (NPG) in a biomass-balanced version manufactured with renewable electricity (NPG ZeroPCF), we’re supporting our value chain partners in advancing their sustainability objectives while at the same time contributing to achieving our own vision.”

Continues Richard Jenkins, Senior Vice-President Coating Solutions and Member of the Executive Committee at Arkema: “By leveraging renewable bio-attribution via mass balance and sustainable innovations, we enable continuous improvement in low temperature cure and higher durability solutions. Even more is achievable in terms of mainstream decarbonization along the value chain. Together, we’re developing next generation powder coating solutions with lower carbon emissions for the building and construction sector.”

In Europe, Interpon's superdurable colour collections and low-E architectural powder coatings are now produced with bio-attributed materials that have reduced emissions, helping to cut the carbon footprint of the built environment.

The three parties intend to pursue further value chain collaborations and welcome additional partners to accelerate the paint and coatings industry’s journey toward sustainability.

Source: AkzoNobel