ARKEMA, AKZONOBEL AND OMYA DESIGN LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT PAINTS FOR MASS MARKET ADOPTION

PARIS, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arkema, AkzoNobel and Omya have collaborated to develop a range of low-carbon options for more sustainable decorative paints with a 30% or more reduced carbon footprint ⁽¹⁾ for mass market adoption while maintaining equivalent performance. This project aimed to expand experiments and achieve up to 50% carbon reduction of decorative paints. 

"As the industry is actively working on decarbonizing its value chain, we wanted to collectively accelerate the development of next generation paints, to meet increasing industry and consumer demand, Green Deal regulations and green building certifications." said Julie Haevermans, Chief Marketing Officer, Arkema Coating Solutions. "Our efforts have been driven by the common objective to make lower carbon footprint solutions the mainstream."

The new formulations leverage innovation from these three global industry leaders to incorporate raw materials with up to 40% circular sources. Specific contributions include:

• Arkema bio-based and bio-attributed binders and additives
• Omya CaCO₃-minerals for opacity boosting and recycled content contribution
• AkzoNobel's advanced formulation expertise, leading to optimization and reduction of high-carbon materials such as TiO₂

Additionally, the three companies leveraged modern, high throughput lab automation processes, including advanced AI-tools, to accelerate development.

"Thanks to advanced lab automation and AI-driven experimental design, commercially relevant paint formulations with considerably reduced carbon footprint were achieved within a short time – with clear indications that even further reductions are possible going forward," said Philipp Mueller, Vice President Construction at Omya. "Key to success is the willingness of companies along the value chain to work together in an open and collaborative way!".

"This work demonstrates the potential to develop lower carbon footprint paints whilst maintaining performance in brightness, yellowing resistance, and wet scrub resistance," said David Williams, Chief Innovation Officerat AkzoNobel. "These advances are another step in paving the way for widespread adoption and external recognition, which will help shape the future of lower carbon footprint paints and coatings."

The parties plan more collaboration across the value chain and welcome a broader network of partners to accelerate the paint industry transformation towards a lower carbon future.

₍₁₎ Cradle-to-grave including biogenic uptake according to ISO 14040, 14044 and 14067
₍₂₎ Global energy related carbon emissions according to the 2023 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction

About Arkema
Building on its unique set of expertise in materials science, Arkema offers a portfolio of first-class technologies to address ever-growing demand for new and more sustainable materials. With the ambition to become a pure player in Specialty Materials, the Group is structured into 3 complementary, resilient and highly innovative segments dedicated to Specialty Materials - Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials, and Coating Solutions - accounting for some 92% of Group sales in 2024, and a well-positioned and competitive Intermediates segment. Arkema offers cutting-edge technological solutions to meet the challenges of, among other things, new energies, access to water, recycling, urbanization and mobility, and fosters a permanent dialogue with all its stakeholders. The Group reported sales of around € 9.5 billion in 2024, and operates in some 55 countries with 21,150 employees worldwide.

About AkzoNobel 
Since 1792, we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people's lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that's dedicated to providing more sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together.

About Omya
Omya is a leading global producer of essential minerals and a worldwide distributor of specialty materials. Founded in Switzerland in 1884 and privately owned, we employ 9,000 people across 160 plants in 50 countries. Omya provides added-value products and services from responsibly sourced materials to meet the needs of current and future generations.
Customers rely on us for a comprehensive range of sustainable, high-quality products, backed up by exceptional customer service, regulatory advice and quality control. Our focus on 'Thinking of Tomorrow' leads to the development of innovative, reliable solutions that help customers solve their challenges.

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SOURCE Arkema