Two new research laboratories are being built by AkzoNobel at its Sassenheim site in the Netherlands to further advance the company's pioneering product development.
AkzoNobel is expanding its Sassenheim site in the Netherlands with two new research laboratories. The Powder Coating Lab will focus on sustainable product innovation, while the polymer lab will develop plastics technologies to reduce carbon emissions. These additions are aimed at strengthening AkzoNobel's global reputation for pioneering product development.
Work is about to begin on a technology center for Powder Coating, while a new polymers laboratory has just opened to develop advanced plastics technologies for all of the company's businesses.
Total investment in the Sassenheim site – AkzoNobel's largest global R&D center – amounts to approximately 8 million euros (8.53 million USD). The facility is now home to the largest R&D teams in Europe for the company's Decorative Paints, Automotive and Specialty Coatings businesses. The addition of two new laboratories will help the company continue to build on its global reputation for pioneering product development focused on delivering innovative solutions to customers.
“Creating the new Powder Coating lab will enable us to conduct the fundamental research needed to continue impactful innovation and bring more sustainable products to market,” explains Roger Jakeman, chief technology officer of AkzoNobel.
“By developing new technologies for the future, we will open up more application and customer opportunities while supporting multiple options, including low-bake treatments. This will further enhance our ability to reduce carbon emissions across the value chain.”
The recently opened polymer lab – part of the company's Research organization – will house 15 scientists. The project will primarily focus on developing more sustainable polymer technologies and new coatings to support AkzoNobel's ambition to halve carbon emissions across the value chain by 2030.
“The performance of a paint or coating is largely determined by the design of the resin used,” it continues Jakeman. “They are an important component in the manufacturing process. The new laboratory will therefore play a key role in enhancing our capabilities and strengthening our industry-leading expertise.”
More Carla Breuer, mayor of Teylingen, the municipality where Sassenheim is located: “AkzoNobel's investment in these two new research laboratories underlines the company's commitment to sustainable product development in our region and in the Netherlands. We are proud that this initiative is taking shape in our municipality.”
AkzoNobel employs around 3,000 R&D professionals worldwide in 70 laboratories, with more than 1.25 billion euros spent on research and development over the past five years.
Note: The content of this press release has not been edited by Fiber2Fashion staff.
Fiber2 Fashion News Desk (HU)
