By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : September 03, 2026 6:08 am
AkzoNobel has invested more than €1.3 billion in research and development over the last five years
AkzoNobel has officially inaugurated a new €7.5-million powder coatings innovation laboratory at its largest global research and development (R&D) center in Sassenheim, the Netherlands. The facility was opened by Stientje van Veldhoven, the Dutch Minister for Climate and Green Growth.
The facility – primarily focused on powder coatings – will help to accelerate the development of more sustainable, solvent-free and energy-efficient coating solutions.
“We’ve established a global reputation for pioneering product innovation and the new lab will be pivotal in ensuring that we continue to innovate with impact,” said Frank Vergeer, R&D Director of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business.
“As well as strengthening our leadership in powder coating technologies, this investment will also expand the company’s wider innovation capabilities in coating performance, application and advanced particle analysis.”
The laboratory will primarily focus on developing next-generation powder coatings, specifically lower-temperature curing technologies designed to decrease overall energy consumption during application. In-depth research will also be carried out to identify new opportunities, such as helping to extend product lifetimes, and reduce maintenance and material use.
By developing these solutions, AkzoNobel will enhance its ability to cut carbon emissions across the value chain. The company has already reduced CO₂ emissions in its own operations (Scopes 1 and 2, baseline 2018) by 50% – four years ahead of schedule.
“The name of my ministry - Climate and Green Growth - is no coincidence”, added Minister Van Veldhoven. “We don't just want to reduce emissions; we want to make sure the Netherlands stays at the forefront of clean technologies. This lab fits that ambition perfectly. It shows that sustainability and economic opportunity go hand in hand.”
AkzoNobel employs around 2,700 R&D professionals worldwide across 70 laboratories and has invested more than €1.3 billion in research and development over the last five years.