AkzoNobel invests in Dutch research laboratory

AkzoNobel is building two new research laboratories at its Sassenheim site in the Netherlands to further drive the company's pioneering product development. Construction of the Powder Coatings Technology Center is about to begin, while a new polymer laboratory has just opened and will develop innovative resin technologies for all of the company's businesses.

The Sassenheim base is AkzoNobel's largest global R&D center, with a total investment of approximately 8 million euros. The location already houses Europe's largest R&D team for the decorative coatings, automotive and specialty coatings business. The addition of the two new laboratories will help the company further build on its global reputation for pioneering product development focused on delivering creative solutions to customers.

Roger Jakeman, chief technology officer of AkzoNobel, said:" Creating the new powder coating laboratory will allow us to carry out the fundamental research necessary to continue impactful innovation and bring more sustainable products to the market. By developing new technologies for the future, we will unlock more customer and application opportunities while supporting multiple options, including low-temperature bake curing. This will further enhance our ability to reduce carbon emissions across our value chain."

The recently opened polymer laboratory is part of the company's research organization and houses 15 scientists. It will focus primarily on developing more sustainable polymer technologies and new coatings to support AkzoNobel’s ambition to halve carbon emissions across its value chain by 2030.

"The performance of a paint or coating is highly dependent on the design of the resin used," Jakeman continues. "They are vital ingredients in the manufacturing process. As such, the new laboratory will play an important role in increasing our capabilities and strengthening our industry-leading expertise."

Carla Breuer, mayor of Teylingen, where Sassenheim is located, added: "AkzoNobel’s investment in these two new research laboratories underlines the company’s commitment to sustainable product development in our region and the Netherlands. We are proud that this initiative is taking shape in our city government."

AkzoNobel employs approximately 3,000 R&D professionals in 70 laboratories worldwide and has spent more than €1.25 billion on R&D over the past five years.