AkzoNobel, a global leader in paints and coatings, has recently announced the extension of its partnership with Signify, the world leader in lighting, to further their mutual commitment to sustainability and carbon emission reduction within the built environment. This collaboration will see AkzoNobel supplying its advanced Interpon powder coatings for Signify’s Philips LED consumer outdoor luminaires, enhancing product durability and environmental performance.
Strengthening a Sustainable Partnership
The collaboration between AkzoNobel and Signify is rooted in a shared vision of creating more sustainable solutions for the built environment. By extending their relationship, both companies aim to leverage their respective expertise to develop products that not only meet high-performance standards but also contribute to environmental conservation.
Jeff Jirak, Director of AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings business, expressed enthusiasm about the extended partnership:
“We’re delighted to extend our relationship with the world leader in lighting and supply them with our advanced technologies and expertise. Our search for better never stops and strengthening our cooperation with Signify demonstrates how we strive to play a progressive and collaborative role in helping our customers reach their sustainability ambitions, for example by extending the lifetime of their products.”
Interpon F: Advanced Coating for Enhanced Durability
A key component of this partnership is the use of AkzoNobel’s Interpon F powder coatings, specifically designed for outdoor applications. These coatings have undergone extensive testing to ensure exceptional durability and come with ten-year warranties for gloss retention. The Interpon F range is known for its outstanding UV durability and color retention, providing 90% gloss retention after 1,000 hours of 3GU testing—a measure of the energy from UV light exposure that a coating can withstand over a set period.
Yonglan Yi, Product Manager at Signify, highlighted the importance of this advanced coating:
“Being durable and weatherproof are crucial for the performance we offer in outdoor luminaires. This advanced PowerShield coating ensures the durability of the product, preventing failures over time, even in harsh weather conditions. As a result, our products will need to be replaced less frequently, reducing the resources required for manufacturing. We’re happy to collaborate with AkzoNobel, a company that shares our commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Using high-quality components is vital to creating more durable and aesthetically pleasing lighting solutions for brighter lives and a better world.”
The Interpon F coatings have been tested according to IEC 60068-2 (temperature and humidity) and ASTM G154 Cycle 6 (UV radiation) accelerated testing, demonstrating extended color retention for five years.
Recognition for Sustainable Innovation
The extension of the partnership coincided with AkzoNobel being awarded Signify’s Best Sustainability Energy Idea as part of its 2024 SEED collaboration program. This award recognizes AkzoNobel’s innovative powder coatings, which include cutting-edge products, AI-assisted process optimization, and a digital energy calculator.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Both AkzoNobel and Signify have set clear environmental sustainability goals for their entire value chains. AkzoNobel is focused on achieving its science-based target of a 50% carbon reduction by 2030 (baseline 2018), while Signify has published its Climate Transition Plan, outlining a science-led roadmap to reducing carbon emissions by 90% and reaching net-zero emissions by 2040 (baseline 2019). Additionally, both companies are members of the Corporate Advisory Board to the World Green Building Council, further emphasizing their dedication to sustainable practices.
Broader Implications for the Industry
The extended partnership between AkzoNobel and Signify serves as a model for how companies in the paints, coatings, and lighting industries can collaborate to drive sustainability. By integrating advanced materials and technologies, they are setting new standards for product performance and environmental responsibility.
For instance, AkzoNobel’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its broader operations. The company has achieved significant milestones, such as transitioning all its manufacturing locations in Latin America to 100% renewable electricity, further boosting its ambition to reduce carbon emissions across the full value chain by 50% by 2030. This achievement follows similar transitions in North America and Europe, demonstrating AkzoNobel’s global dedication to sustainable practices. CoatingsPro Magazine
Moreover, AkzoNobel’s focus on innovation has led to the development of products like the Interpon D2525 Low-E range, a superdurable low-bake powder coating designed to withstand extreme conditions. This product not only enhances building protection but also contributes to carbon reduction efforts by enabling lower curing temperatures, thereby reducing energy consumption during application. Agenparl+1AkzoNobel+1AkzoNobel
Similarly, Signify’s efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations are reflected in initiatives like equipping the Vienna City Hall with Color Kinetics connected LED lighting. This renovation resulted in lower operating and maintenance costs while generating energy savings of up to 50%, showcasing Signify’s commitment to energy-efficient solutions.
