Article Summary
AkzoNobel has achieved its 2030 target of reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent four years early through investments in renewable electricity and sustainable manufacturing practices. The company now operates on 100 percent renewable electricity at 92 manufacturing sites globally and continues pursuing additional emissions reductions across its value chain.
- 50% emissions reduction achieved in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, surpassing the 2030 target by four years
- 92 manufacturing sites now use 100% renewable electricity, including facilities in North America, Latin America, Europe, South Africa, and Vietnam
- €1.7 million investment in Pilawa, Poland facility replaced gas boilers with heat pumps and installed 3,551 solar panels
- Scope 3 ambition targets 50% value chain emissions reduction by 2030 through supplier and customer partnerships
- Eco+ Cure energy calculator launched to help customers reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs
AkzoNobel has reached its 2030 target of reducing Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 50 per cent, achieving the milestone four years ahead of schedule.
The target, which was set in 2020 using 2018 as a baseline and validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, is part of the company's broader ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050.
"We set out a clear vision to become carbon neutral by 2050 and we're very proud to have taken an important step towards realizing that goal," said Wijnand Bruinsma, AkzoNobel's director of sustainability.
"As a leader in the global paints and coatings industry, we also aim to be recognized for our leadership in sustainability -- and that's not going to stop. Because it's all about leading by example; managing carbon emission reduction in our own operations so we can convince the value chain to do the same."
AkzoNobel indicated it now operates on 100 per cent renewable electricity across North America, Latin America and Europe, representing 69 per cent of its manufacturing sites. The company also recently completed the transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity at its facilities in South Africa and Vietnam, bringing the total number of locations using renewable electricity to 92.
The company's manufacturing site in Pilawa, Poland, contributed to achieving the Scope 1 emissions target through a recent €1.7 million investment, equivalent to $2.76 million (CAD), to replace gas boilers with heat pumps.. The facility also houses AkzoNobel's largest solar energy installation in Europe, which has been operating since 2024 and includes 3,551 solar panels.
AkzoNobel also continues to pursue its goal of reducing Scope 3 emissions across its value chain by 50 per cent by 2030.
"We're not just focused on our own operations," said Bruinsma. "We also have a 2030 ambition to halve carbon emissions across our full value chain. That's proving to be more of a challenge, but we're making progress and will continue to innovate with suppliers, customers and other partners as we step up our efforts around Scope 3."
As part of those efforts, the company recently launched the Eco+ Cure energy calculator through its Interpon powder coatings brand. The tool analyzes operational data, including gas usage, oven temperature and throughput, to help customers reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs and reduce carbon emissions.
