A new approach to addressing carbon reduction challenges has been established by AkzoNobel and partners from across the extended value chain following the company’s first-ever global Collaborative Sustainability Challenge. During 24 hours of discussion at the event, which was held recently in Amsterdam, a series of high-impact exploration teams was set up. Those involved will continue to work together in a determined effort to collectively accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions in the paints and coatings industry.

Represented by senior and next-generation leaders, the participants focused on four key areas: energy transition, process efficiency, solvent emissions, and circular solutions. As a result, 27 partners signed up, including suppliers, customers, and end users, as well as representatives from finance, government, service providers, and consultancies.

For example, one of the six teams will attempt to lower the existing barriers that are preventing disruptive new process technologies. The aim is to hack current business models so that suppliers, manufacturers, and applicators work together as a collaborative solutions provider.

“We all have ambitious targets when it comes to addressing climate change, but we won’t achieve them in isolation,” said Thierry Vanlancker, AkzoNobel CEO. “So it’s fantastic to see everyone come together, exchange ideas and make a real commitment to jointly explore what’s possible as we strive to collectively accelerate our sustainability journey.”

According to Jan-Peter Balkenende, chair of the Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition and former prime minister of the Netherlands, “It’s been an intense but extremely productive 24 hours. We’ve witnessed the passion and creativity of a determined group of industry partners who are committed to making the necessary step changes across the value chain. By having one clear goal—working together to reduce carbon emissions—there’s a clear opportunity to take collective action and accelerate effective solutions for tackling climate change.”

“We’re off to a really encouraging start,” Vanlancker said. “What we need to do now is keep the momentum of the last 24 hours, harness all the energy and creativity and develop a networked ecosystem which will help to shape the sustainable future of our industry.”    

For more information, visit www.akzonobel.com.