AkzoNobel’s Alan Alex Talks Powder Coatings Innovations at CTT Summit
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 7, 2023 — AkzoNobel’s (AKZA; AKZOY) Alan Alex, commercial director of North America Powder Coatings, delivered the keynote presentation at the Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit in Chicago on how powder coatings plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing the durability and aesthetics of various products, ranging from automotive components to architectural structures. One of the most significant trends driving the coatings industry is a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability.
“Powder coatings are solvent-free and produce minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during application,” explains Alex. “This makes powder have less environmental impact and aligns with stricter environmental regulations worldwide. As the global focus on sustainability continues to grow, the powder coatings market is expected to gain traction.”
Powder coatings are applied electrostatically and can achieve higher transfer efficiencies, reducing waste and overspray and are known for their exceptional resistance to chemicals, corrosion, and UV rays, making them ideal for outdoor applications and industries like automotive and architecture. Additionally, the excess powder can be collected and reused, further minimizing environmental impact while enhancing the economic benefits of the manufacturing process.
Recent advancements in powder coating technology have expanded the color and finish options available in its products, resulting in powder becoming more of a viable choice for industries that demand a wide array of aesthetic possibilities.
“The coatings industry is also experiencing a transformation through automation and Industry 4.0 technologies,” said Jeff Jirak, AkzoNobel’s global Powder Coating Business Unit Director. “Powder coating lines, in particular, lend themselves well to automation due to their consistency and efficiency. Robotic systems can be integrated for precise and repeatable application, quality control and data collection.”
The coatings industry is evolving to meet the demands of a changing world, with sustainability, efficiency, durability and automation playing pivotal roles. Powder coatings offer significant advantages in terms of environmental sustainability, application efficiency and durability. As environmental regulations tighten and the industry seeks ways to become more efficient and sustainable, the trends in favor of powder coatings are likely to continue.
About AkzoNobel
We supply the sustainable and innovative paints and coatings that our customers, communities – and the environment – are increasingly relying on. 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 have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering paints company that’s committed to science-based targets and is taking genuine action to address globally relevant challenges and protect future generations
