Interpon D2525 was used for the aluminum façade of The Shard in London, which was rated BREEAM Excellent, a globally recognized standard for assessing and certifying the sustainability of buildings and infrastructure.

This improvement was achieved by combining supplier-specific Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data with the procurement of bio-based raw materials. Previously, the carbon footprint calculations were based on generic industry averages for polyester resins. By using supplier-specific PCF data, these calculations are now more accurate, as they better reflect important variables such as investments in process efficiency and the use of renewable power by relevant partners.

Using BASF's bio-based materials can bring more benefits, as their PCF is zero. Arkema transforms these bio-based materials into AkzoNobel's low-temperature and standard-temperature curing super-durable powder coating resins to reduce its carbon footprint. The three partners have published an industry case study providing further insights into the transition to low carbon footprint powder coatings, including the methods used and details of the calculations.

Vasilios Galanos, Senior Vice President of BASF's Intermediates business unit in Europe, explained: "This initiative reflects our commitment to providing more sustainable solutions through innovation and collaboration. Our vision is to become the preferred partner for customers seeking sustainable chemical intermediates. By supplying a biomass balanced version of neopentyl glycol (NPG ZeroPCF) produced with renewable energy, we are helping our value chain partners advance their sustainability goals while realizing our own vision."

Jeff Jirak, the Director of Powder Coatings at AkzoNobel, added, "This collaboration is an important step forward for the coatings industry. Our customers need solutions that support their environmental goals and green building certifications. By working across the entire value chain, we are taking meaningful steps to reduce our carbon footprint while also demonstrating our strong commitment to sustainability."

Richard Jenkins, Senior Vice President of Coatings Solutions at Arkema and Member of the Executive Committee, continued: "By leveraging renewable bio-based raw materials and sustainable innovative technologies through the quality balance method, we continuously improve low-temperature curing and high-durability solutions. There remains significant potential for mainstream decarbonization across the value chain, and we are working together to develop the next generation of low-carbon powder coating solutions for the construction industry."

Interpon's color range and Low-E architectural powder coatings produced in Europe—all of which are super durable—now use bio-attributed materials that reduce emissions. This means they can play an important role in helping to lower the carbon footprint of the built environment.

The three parties plan to engage in more collaboration throughout the entire value chain and welcome a broader network of partners to accelerate the transition of the paint and coatings industry towards a more sustainable future.