AkzoNobel introduces an industry-first tool to promote bodyshop sustainability

Bodyshops can now use AkzoNobel's first repair calculator to measure, manage, and reduce carbon emissions in the vehicle refinish industry.

The CO2eRepairCalculator is part of a new initiative aimed at encouraging bodyshops to become more sustainable. It is designed to help customers improve their carbon footprint when using the company's premium refinish products.

The tool is AkzoNobel's latest digital innovation aimed at making a long-term difference for customers. It determines the carbon levels associated with the painting and drying processes, including the energy consumed, and is directly related to the vehicle refinishing products used. It also provides data on the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), assisting customers in determining where improvements can be made.

"We're very proud to have introduced another industry first," says Patrick Bourguignon, Managing Director of AkzoNobel's Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. "The company has set a science-based sustainability goal of halving its carbon emissions across the entire value chain by 2030. Achieving that goal will rely heavily on collaborating with partners and challenging one another to find creative solutions to the unprecedented challenges that everyone faces."

The emissions and energy consumed are calculated using the tool based on a controlled two-panel repair in a spray booth in accordance with Greenhouse Gas Protocol accounting standards. The results are displayed in an online dashboard that takes into account local energy prices.

"The CO2eRepairCalculator demonstrates to bodyshops how changes in the products they use and the processes they use can have a direct impact on reducing carbon emissions and energy costs, as well as improving productivity," Georgia Collins, Commercial Marketing Director of AkzoNobel's Automotive and Specialty Coatings business, adds.

"The tool is part of our global initiative for bodyshops to 'rethink' sustainability throughout the entire refinishing journey. We will raise customer awareness and support them on their journey to becoming a more sustainable business by displaying actual figures."

It will now be easier for bodyshops to take positive action in order to meet their sustainability and carbon reduction targets as a result of the launch. This is becoming more important as insurance companies put more pressure on preferred bodyshop partners to reduce emissions in line with supply chain ambitions that meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The CO2eRepairCalculator is currently being introduced to Sikkens customers in the UK market (with Lesonal to follow shortly). It will be rolled out across European markets over the next few months. Visit www.Sikkensvr.com/rethink for more information.

CO2e is an abbreviation for carbon dioxide and equivalent gases. The tool measures carbon dioxide (CO2) and equivalent gases like methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), all of which are classified as greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Source: AkzoNobel newsroom