Product innovation
The green scheme
AkzoNobel’s Wood Finishes and Adhesives has pioneered some uniquely innovative and eco-friendly technology in recent years. This has been in response to changing regulations and customer requirements, and increased consumer demand for green technologies.
Our R&D Centers and Centers of Excellence are strategically located around the globe to serve key markets and customers. The focal point for innovative coatings research is our Louisville, Kentucky (USA) R&D Center where critical building blocks for all types of coatings are created.
In the Asia Pacific region, we answered the industry's need for innovation and eco-friendly solutions with R&D Centers in Dongguan, China, and Amata, Vietnam. We were one of the first industrial coatings manufacturers to make this commitment to the region.
Our chemists have developed UV-curable, recyclable coatings for kitchen cabinets and office furniture. UV-cure technology increases productivity, eliminates emissions and contributes to considerable energy savings at our customers’ plants. A substantial reduction in hazardous waste has resulted in great accolades for this durable new finish.
In the heart of Sweden at our Innovative R&D Center for Casco Adhesives, chemists are using starch from common vegetables to replace conventional chemicals in wood adhesives. The green benefit of switching from formaldehyde to potatoes is obvious and early trials show that very little is lost in the way of durability and adhesion with this more sustainable alternative.