An Overview of AkzoNobel Coatings and Paints

AkzoNobel: “Tomorrow’s answers today”

AkzoNobel is a Dutch multinational company which produces paints and coatings for markets ranging from aerospace to whitegoods. The current company was formed through the merger of Akzo NV and Swedish company Nobel Industries AB in 1994, though the history of the company can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries through Nobel Industries and Akzo respectively. Today the company has operations in 80 countries and over 40,000 employees. The AkzoNobel of today is the result of more than a century of mergers and acquisitions and the combined skills and knowledge of all those years of innovation. AkzoNobel’s paint and coating products are divided into decorative paint and performance coating, and within those segments are such recognizable brands as International, Interpon, Dulux, Sikkens, Awlgrip, Hammerite, and more.

In this article we have an in-depth look at AkzoNobel and its many brands in both the decorative paints and performance coatings segments.

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Protective marine coatings –  Awlgrip, Interlux, International

The marine coating segment of AkzoNobel produces coatings for cargo holds, cargo tanks, the underwater hull, ship topsides, decks, ballast tanks, and every surface which requires a protective or decorative paint. These paints include specialized tank coatings, antifouling and foul release coatings, abrasion resistant or anti-slip coatings, cosmetic top coats, and protective primers. The marine environment is one of the harshest and the coatings in this market need to withstand some of the toughest, most corrosive, and most damaging conditions. The range of AkzoNobel brands are formulated for specific conditions and substrates with their strengths calculated for their end uses such as Intershield 163 anti abrasion for ice going vessels or Interlux for pleasure craft.

Below is a small selection of the marine coatings offered by AkzoNobel.

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The decorative paints of AkzoNobel – Cuprinol, Dulux, Sikkens

AkzoNobel is well known in Europe for its Dulux brand, but in the US it has more of a name in the performance and protective coatings markets. This is because the company sold its North American decorative coatings businesses to PPG in 2012. In this transaction, PPG gained Glidden, Dulux (in Canada), Sikkens (in North America) and Flood wood finishes among others. In Europe, AkzoNobel’s decorative paints include Dulux (and the other Flourish brands Coral, Alba, Astral, Flexa, and Marshall), Sikkens, Armstead, Hammerite, Cuprinol, and more. Having divested itself of the North American branch of decorative coatings, AkzoNobel chose to focus on their brands and products in other markets. Now, decorative paints account for 27% of AkzoNobel’s sales.

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Industrial and powder coatings – Interpon, Interchar, Resicoat

Providing coatings for the chemical, power, mining, oil and gas, and construction industries means having the toughest, most durable, and most hard-working coatings available. Through the International, Interpon, and Resicoat brands, AkzoNobel has a range of industrial and powder coating solutions to suit every need.

AkzoNobel’s powder coating brand Interpon is the global number 1. Interpon products include powder coatings for ACE (Agricultural and Construction Equipment), general industry, furniture, appliances, and architecture while Resicoat is the heavy-duty powder coating such as pipeline coatings and valves and fittings. International also provides passive fire protection and temperature resistant coatings.

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Automotive and aerospace transportation coating – Aerobase, Sikkens, Lesonal

Globally, transportation is one of the four key end-user segments which are the focus of AkzoNobel. Transportation includes products and technologies for land, air, and sea travel. Specifically in the automotive and aerospace sectors, the company provides OEM and refinish coatings for vehicles and OEM and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operating) coatings for the aerospace industry.

In the automotive industry, AkzoNobel produces coatings for interior and exterior use, from underhood components to climate control bezels to body paintwork. AkzoNobel powder coatings from the Interpon and Resicoat brands are used for underhood elements, trim, wheels, and recently in a collaboration with Audi they demonstrated the full range of powder coating capabilities from exhaust and wipers to bodywork and headlights. They also produce liquid coatings through their Sikkens, Wanda, and Lesonal brands.

AkzoNobel is the global leader in the Manufacture, development, and supply of coatings for the OEM and MRO sectors of the commercial airline, general aviation, and the military air markets. They produce water-based coatings, base coat/clear coat systems, peelable coatings, special effects coatings, and others. Just a few of the brands that service the industry are Eclipse, Alumigrip, Aerobase, Aerodur, and Aviox.

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What the future holds for AkzoNobel – a focus on coatings

As of 2018, AkzoNobel is divesting itself of the specialty chemicals branch of its company. This moves signals a continued focus on its coating and paint operations. The company also invested in innovation hubs where coatings scientists will work on developing protective coatings for the energy, mining, infrastructure, and oil and gas industries. This is in addition to the 4,000 scientists employed in 130 laboratories worldwide already filing some 100 applications for new patents each year. In the US, a $10 million research, development and innovation center will support several of AkzoNobel’s performance coatings businesses, including oil, extrusion, and packaging coatings.

The future of AkzoNobel is looking green. They place particular emphasis on increasing energy efficiency, reducing material waste, and continuing to invest in the creation of more eco-friendly solutions. Sustainable solutions for everyday challenges with community outreach and a high level of business integrity are their focus. This commitment to do more with less is written into their company strategy and principles as ‘Planet Possible’.

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A quick brand round-up – from Aerodur to Wanda

There are many brands in the AkzoNobel portfolio that we have not had a chance to describe in detail. Below is a brief summary of the brands and their segments.

Decorative coatings

Automotive and aerospace coatings

Industrial coatings

Protective and marine coatings