You might be wondering why we need to change how industrial coatings are applied in the first place. It turns out the way we apply industrial coatings is really important. Coating certain surfaces, especially when they’re outdoors and subject to variable conditions, can be difficult, time-consuming and inefficient – as well as unsafe for the painters who often have to work at height.

Qlayers has a solution. The unique automated application technology they developed can coat large surfaces in any weather conditions, while maintaining consistency and quality.

“We’re mainly focused on large surfaces that need to be maintained outside, starting with pipes and storage tanks,” Ruben says. “Coatings are currently applied by hand using rollers and paint brushes. Spraying would be faster, but up until now it hasn’t been possible. Overspray is such a big issue, both wasteful and bad for the environment. That’s where we can help.”

Josefien says the collaboration with AkzoNobel is a naturally good fit: “With our focus on application methods and AkzoNobel’s focus on coatings, we can create value together. Having a large, established partner like AkzoNobel also helps give our customers more confidence.”

“Throughout our collaboration, I have come to know the Qlayers team as passionate people with a unique technology and pragmatic go-to-market approach,” says Menno van der Zalm, Director of Innovation at AkzoNobel. “We already see that our resources in terms of our coating knowledge and market access are contributing to their credibility and traction in the market. It’s turning out to be a great match for us both!”