The improvement has been made possible through a combination of using supplier-specific product carbon footprint (PCF) data and sourcing bio-attributed³ raw materials. Previously, the carbon footprint calculations were made on the basis of generic industry averages for polyester resins. By using supplier-specific PCF data instead, these calculations are now more accurate, as they better reflect important variables, such as investments made in process efficiencies and the use of renewable electricity by the partners involved.

Further benefits are gained by using bio-attributed raw materials from BASF³ which have a PCF of zero⁴. Arkema transforms these bio-attributed raw materials to reduce the carbon footprint of low and standard temperature cure superdurable powder coating resins for AkzoNobel. 

The three partners have published an industry case study to offer further insights into the transition to lower carbon footprint powder coatings, including details of the methodology and calculations used.

“This collaboration is a major step forward for the paints and coatings industry,” explains Jeff Jirak, Director of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business. “Our customers require solutions that support their environmental goals and green building certification. By working across the value chain, we’re taking meaningful steps towards carbon footprint reduction, while also demonstrating our unwavering commitment to sustainability.”

Vasilios Galanos, Senior Vice-President, Intermediates Europe, BASF, adds: “This initiative reflects our commitment to offering more sustainable solutions through innovation and collaboration. Our vision is to be the preferred partner for sustainable intermediates for our customers. By supplying neopentyl glycol (NPG) in a biomass-balanced version manufactured with renewable electricity (NPG ZeroPCF), we’re supporting our value chain partners in advancing their sustainability objectives while at the same time contributing to achieving our own vision.”

Continues Richard Jenkins, Senior Vice-President Coating Solutions and Member of the Executive Committee at Arkema: “By leveraging renewable bio-attribution via mass balance and sustainable innovations, we enable continuous improvement in low temperature cure and higher durability solutions. Even more is achievable in terms of mainstream decarbonization along the value chain. Together, we’re developing next generation powder coating solutions with lower carbon emissions for the building and construction sector.

The color collections⁵ and Low-E architectural powder coatings produced by Interpon in Europe – all of which are superdurable – now use reduced emission bio-attributed material. This means they can play a major role in helping to lower the carbon footprint of the built environment.

The three parties are planning more collaboration across the value chain and welcome a broader network of partners to accelerate the paint and coatings industry’s transformation towards a more sustainable future. 

For more information about the value chain partnership and to download the industry case study, visit https://lp.arkema.com/en/coating-solutions/download-industry-use-case-powders-coatings/

¹ Superdurability means a demonstrated material protection benefit and meets industry standard requirements of Qualicoat Class 2 and GSB Florida 3. 

² Versus the former carbon footprint calculated for these products. Calculated according to ISO 14067 and Together for Sustainability (TfS) guideline V3 PCF methodology at cradle-to-gate, including biogenic removals (around 5%), and compared with industry average data from the CEPE V4 database for polyester resins (up to 35%). For more information, see page 12 of the industry case study.

³ BASF feeds renewable raw materials into its Verbund in the very first steps of chemical production and attributes a corresponding share of the renewable raw materials to specific sales products by means of a certified mass balance method. For further information, visit The Biomass Balance Approach.

⁴ PCF calculation at BASF is cradle-to-gate including biogenic carbon uptake, calculated according to ISO 14040, 14044 and 14067, and in line with TfS guidelines. A PCF of zero is achieved by the use of The Biomass Balance Approach and renewable electricity. For further information, visit ZeroPCF Intermediates. 

⁵ The color collections refers to Interpon D2525 Futura, Anodic, Stone-Effect, Natural Metals and Terracotta; and Interpon D2015 Precis Ultra-Matt.