AkzoNobel’s Sustainable Repair Network Surpasses 200 Certified Bodyshops Across Europe

AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes is celebrating over two years of progress with its Sustainable Repair Network (SRN), which continues to grow steadily across Europe. The initiative has already certified more than 203 bodyshops in 10 countries, representing 119 companies, with an additional 290 active bodyshops currently in the certification process. This marks a significant advancement in helping the vehicle refinishing industry enhance operational efficiency while reducing its environmental footprint.

As the first paints and coatings company to establish a verified science-based sustainability target, AkzoNobel has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 50% across its entire value chain by 2030. In line with this commitment, the company is actively fostering collaboration across industries to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable future. Within its Vehicle Refinishes business, the Sustainable Repair Network serves as a cornerstone initiative—providing bodyshops and multi-site operators with comprehensive tools, expert guidance, and technical support to lower emissions, optimize resource use, and integrate circular practices into their operations.

AkzoNobel’s Business Director for Automotive and Vehicle Refinishes EMEA, Ignacio Román Navarro, says that the organization is delighted with the reception its Sustainable Repair Network has received: “Sustainability is a shared priority across the industry from automotive OEMs to insurers and repairers. True progress requires collaboration, and we are proud that so many forward-thinking bodyshops across Europe have joined us and are making meaningful progress.”

Since its launch AkzoNobel has certified more than 100 businesses across Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Austria and the UK, with more in progress.

“It is very encouraging for our Sustainable Repair Network to have achieved this momentum in such a short space of time, and to have so many bodyshops from across Europe engage with our experts,” says Ignacio. “We are equipping them to drive lasting, positive transformations in their businesses, as we can meticulously analyze all aspects of their repair processes and operations to pinpoint emission sources and devise effective reduction strategies, enabling them to make tangible progress towards their own targets and prove it to their stakeholders.”

The Sustainable Repair Network (SRN) operates through a structured framework designed to help bodyshops and multi-site operators (MSOs) systematically reduce their environmental impact. The process begins with an in-depth assessment of energy consumption and the identification of opportunities to lower carbon emissions, focusing on actions aligned with the principles of repair, recycle, reduce, and reuse.

At Level 1 certification, bodyshops and MSOs establish a foundation for measuring, monitoring, and improving their CO₂e footprint. This initial phase provides the visibility needed to set key performance indicators (KPIs) and create targeted strategies for ongoing enhancement.

At Level 2, with support from AkzoNobel’s experts, participants define specific sustainability goals, identify key improvement areas using AkzoNobel’s analytical tools, and develop a long-term roadmap for achieving measurable progress.

By Level 3, the organization demonstrates that the targets defined in Level 2 have been met — verifying that sustainability measures are effectively implemented, improvements are realized, and environmental responsibility is fully embedded into business operations.

Beyond the SRN, AkzoNobel continues to collaborate closely with industry stakeholders to advance emission reduction, promote circular economy practices, and strengthen sustainable supply chains. Recent initiatives include active participation in the Forum on Automotive Aftermarket Sustainability (FAAS) — a platform uniting industry leaders to drive tangible progress — and support for the Accident Repair Industry Environmental Standard (ARIES), a new benchmark for sustainability in the UK’s vehicle repair sector.

Source: AkzoNobel