AkzoNobel Powder Coatings has become the first coatings manufacturer to achieve Sustainable Materials Rating Technology (SMaRT) certification, attaining platinum status.
SMaRT is an important external standard for product sustainability and global certification that evaluates sustainability performance over a product’s life cycle and supply chain – applying to any product, from any industry.
Jaap van den Akker, manager sustainability & HSE at AkzoNobel Powder Coatings, said: “This is something we are very proud of. Powder Coatings is recognised as an environmentally friendly coating option due to, among other things, low VOCs and the ability to reclaim and recycle them. Being the first powder coatings manufacturer to achieve this certification proves we really are global leaders.”
Products receiving SMaRT certification need to openly document their performance over a number of sustainability indicators ranging from minimizing the use of natural resources, to reducing waste and carbon footprint.
Companies achieving SMaRT accreditation must complete a thorough application process, enter into a legally binding contract certifying that the data submitted is accurate and prove that qualified professionals were used. A third party audit is also required and applicants must also renew and verify certification every three years in order to stay current with environmental trends.
Mr. Van den Akker added: “We are constantly sourcing more sustainable and renewable raw materials and energy resources from our suppliers and focusing significant R&D efforts on reducing the ecological footprint at every stage of the process.
AkzoNobel is a major producer of specialty chemicals, manufacturing at over 32 factories around the world and employing 55,000 people – with brands including Dulux, Sikkens and Eka.
