AkzoNobel Accelerates Clean Energy Transition in China
AkzoNobel is making significant strides toward its goal of using 100% renewable electricity in its operations globally, with a strong focus on its production sites in China. More than half of the company’s Chinese facilities are now making substantial progress in transitioning to clean energy, demonstrating a clear commitment to sustainability. This push for renewable energy is not only part of the company’s broader sustainability goals but also aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the shift toward zero-carbon alternatives.
Achieving 100% Renewable Electricity in Key Sites
A major part of AkzoNobel’s clean energy transition in China involves a project aimed at utilizing both self-generated and externally sourced renewable electricity across several production sites. So far, the initiative has impacted eight of the company’s 15 facilities in China, marking a pivotal shift toward cleaner energy sources.
By the end of 2025, two key sites—Suzhou and Changzhou—will have fully transitioned to 100% renewable electricity. This achievement sets an important precedent for AkzoNobel’s other facilities in the region, with future plans for the Shanghai and Wuhan plants to reach 90% renewable electricity by 2026. Additionally, two facilities in Langfang have already achieved 100% renewable electricity coverage, while the Guangzhou site has reached 20% as of January 2025, with expectations to double that figure soon. Meanwhile, the Decorative Paints plant in Chengdu has already sourced 18% of its electricity from renewable sources, with further progress on the horizon.
Focus on Sustainability and Long-Term Goals
Wijnand Bruinsma, AkzoNobel’s Director of Sustainability, emphasized the company’s commitment to reaching its global target of 100% renewable electricity by 2030. “We’re fully focused on achieving our ambition of 100% renewable electricity in our own operations by 2030,” Bruinsma said. “We’re delighted with the progress being made in China and will continue to proactively drive the transition of all our manufacturing sites globally.”
The company’s strategy combines both on-site renewable electricity generation and external sourcing. This approach not only contributes to the energy transition but also helps alleviate pressure on local power grids while creating additional capacity for other users.
Expanding Solar Energy Efforts
AkzoNobel’s push to accelerate the clean energy transition in China has been bolstered by the installation of solar energy systems at several key sites. Building on the success of the company’s first solar installations in China in 2021, the second phase of this initiative was launched in 2024, expanding rapidly over recent months. The installation includes over 5,600 solar panels at facilities in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. These solar panels will generate renewable energy for AkzoNobel’s operations, reducing the company’s reliance on external energy sources and increasing the amount of clean power available for its manufacturing activities.
Recognition for Sustainability Achievements
AkzoNobel’s efforts to transition to renewable energy have not gone unnoticed. As of February 2025, the company has received six government-certified “green factory” accolades in China. These certifications highlight AkzoNobel’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. Among the recognized facilities, three received national-level “green factory” certifications—Chengdu, Shanghai, and Guangzhou—and three received local-level certifications in Shanghai, Suzhou, and Changzhou. These accolades underscore the company’s leadership in adopting sustainable practices across its Chinese operations.
Global Achievements in Renewable Energy
AkzoNobel’s commitment to renewable energy extends beyond China. The company has already achieved 100% renewable electricity at all its manufacturing locations across North America, Latin America, and Europe. In 2024, the company took another major step forward by installing its largest European solar energy plant at the Pilawa site in Poland. This plant is equipped with 3,551 solar panels, offering a total installed capacity of 1.9 MWp, further reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainability and renewable energy.
Conclusion
AkzoNobel’s accelerated transition to clean energy in China reflects the company’s broader global sustainability goals and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. With a focus on using 100% renewable electricity across all its production sites by 2030, the company is making significant progress in achieving its clean energy ambitions. Through initiatives such as solar panel installations and strategic partnerships, AkzoNobel is contributing to the energy transition while continuing to meet the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing solutions.
You can learn more about the company’s recent progress towards its sustainability ambitions in the recently published 2024 annual report.
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.
