The initiative aims to enhance sustainability in the coatings industry by targeting up to a 50% carbon footprint reduction by combining Arkema’s bio-attributed binders and additives, Omya’s recycled-content calcium carbonate minerals, and AkzoNobel’s strategies to reduce high-carbon materials like titanium dioxide.
Arkema, AkzoNobel
and Omya have joined forces to develop a range of low-carbon solutions for more sustainable decorative paints, achieving a carbon footprint reduction of 30% or more for widespread market adoption, while maintaining performance on par with existing products. The project also aims to further expand trials with the goal of reaching up to a 50% reduction in the carbon footprint of decorative paints.
“As the industry actively works on decarbonizing its value chain, we wanted to collectively accelerate the development of next generation paints, to meet increasing industry and consumer demand, Green Deal regulations and green building certifications. Our efforts have been driven by the common objective to make lower carbon footprint solutions the mainstream” has stated Julie Haevermans, Chief Marketing Officer, Arkema Coating Solutions.
The new formulations harness innovations from these three global industry leaders to incorporate raw materials containing up to 40% circular content. Key contributions include:
- Arkema’s bio-based and bio-attributed binders and additives.
- Omya’s CaCO₃ minerals, enhancing opacity and contributing recycled content.
- AkzoNobel’s advanced formulation expertise, enabling the optimisation and reduction of high-carbon materials such as TiO₂.
“Thanks to advanced lab automation and AI-driven experimental design, commercially relevant paint formulations with considerably reduced carbon footprint were achieved within a short time – with clear indications that even further reductions are possible going forward,” has added Philipp Mueller, Vice-President Construction at Omya. "Key to success is the willingness of companies along the value chain to work together in an open and collaborative way!”
“This work demonstrates the potential to develop lower carbon footprint paints whilst maintaining performance in brightness, yellowing resistance, and wet scrub resistance. These advances are another step in paving the way for widespread adoption and external recognition, which will help shape the future of lower carbon footprint paints and coatings,” has concluded David Williams, Chief Innovation Officer at AkzoNobel.