AkzoNobel's push for sustainability

By Jesse Sanchez. 

How AkzoNobel is reshaping the industry through sustainable coil coatings. 

In this episode of CoatingsCast, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with AkzoNobel’s experts, Tessa Slagter and Amanda Paterline, to discuss their insights into the company’s sustainability efforts, focusing on the innovative steps being taken in the realm of coil coatings. As the global push for greener building practices gains momentum, AkzoNobel stands out as a leader in the coatings industry, not only embracing change but actively driving it. 

One of the key areas highlighted during the discussion was the importance of reducing their carbon footprint across the entire value chain. Tessa, who leads the sustainable innovation function at AkzoNobel, explained, "We're looking for our own operations to reduce our carbon footprint by 50% in 2030, using 2018 as our baseline, but not just for our own operations, we've also set that target for our entire value chain.” This ambitious goal reflects the company’s deep commitment to sustainability, extending beyond their operations to include their suppliers and customers. 

Amanda expressed that the shift towards more sustainable products doesn’t have to compromise on quality. "We particularly are supporting our customers on how that can be achieved when selecting metal roofing,” Amanda noted, recognizing the role of coil coatings in helping customers make more environmentally conscious choices. 

A significant part of this sustainability push involves educating the market about new, lower-carbon options and the importance of transparency in the industry. As Amanda mentioned, AkzoNobel is actively guiding their clients toward “highlighting their sustainable options for end users,” ensuring that the environmental benefits of these coatings are clearly understood and effectively marketed. 

AkzoNobel is not only focusing on reducing emissions but also on minimizing waste throughout the manufacturing process. Amanda discussed the use of digital tools to optimize production and reduce waste, a move that aligns both with economic goals and sustainability targets. 

Read the Transcript, Listen to the Podcast or Watch the Interview to learn more about AkzoNobel's sustainability initiatives in the coil coatings industry.