After the remarkable journey at AkzoNobel, you've now assumed the role of regional commercial director for South Asia-Pacific’s Powder Coatings Business. How do you envision this new chapter influencing the business unit's trajectory in the region?

Şirvan Canıtez

Over the past eight years with AkzoNobel, I've had the privilege to engage in diverse roles that have shaped my perspective on our business and witnessed first-hand the transformative power of sustainable practices. As I transition into this new role, succeeding Maximilien Schréder, I'm passionate about amplifying our commitment to sustainability across key regions, including India, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Our mission transcends mere product offerings. We aim to deliver holistic solutions that not only address our customers' distinct requirements but also resonate with our unwavering commitment to the environment and the well-being of future generations.

By seamlessly weaving innovation with sustainability and a forward-looking strategy, I'm steadfast in my resolve to ensure AkzoNobel sets unparalleled benchmarks in offering customer-centric and eco-conscious services and products in the powder coatings domain.

Building on that, Vietnam has been identified as a strategic hub for AkzoNobel's powder coatings operations. Could you elaborate on how the company's burgeoning presence there aligns with its regional ambitions?

Absolutely. Vietnam stands as a linchpin in our regional strategy, serving both as a pivotal market and a manufacturing nexus. Our footprint in the country is robust, encompassing a significant facility in Dong Nai and three other strategic locations across Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Bac Ninh. Moreover, the upcoming inauguration of our state-of-the-art powder plant in Bac Ninh, marking our 13^th installation in Asia, is a tangible testament to our deep-rooted commitment to Vietnam's potential and growth. Products manufactured here serve not only domestic demand but also other regional markets.

Our product innovations too have kept pace, with the recent launch of our Redox powder coatings in Vietnam, offering resilient corrosion protection for infrastructures. Staying true to our ethos of continuous innovation and service enhancement, we are poised to diversify into segments like flooring and cater to a broader spectrum of Building Products clientele within the Vietnamese landscape.

AkzoNobel's facility in Bac Ninh

AkzoNobel's commitment to sustainability is evident. But within the construction sector, there is an impression that green initiatives come at a premium. Given AkzoNobel's commitment to sustainability, how do you reconcile this with profitability concerns?

For AkzoNobel, the equation is not merely about short-term costs and benefits. When one zeroes in exclusively on immediate gains, the initial outlay for sustainable practices might seem higher.

Yet, in our vision, where we balance industry-leading innovation with environmental responsibility, these costs are not just expenses - they are strategic investments.

We believe that a commitment to greener operations today will not only set a benchmark for the industry but will also ensure long-term profitability and a lasting, positive legacy for the planet.

Stakeholder collaboration is pivotal in driving sustainable solutions. How does AkzoNobel forge collaborations with partners and customers to provide tailored coating solutions for their specific sustainability needs?

The convergence of sustainability with aesthetics and durability is central to AkzoNobel's collaboration strategy. Engaging with environmentally-conscious customers is a dialogue-driven process. We invest time to understand their observations, desired outcomes, and the broader implications of their operational impact.

Different sectors, whether automotive, architectural or beyond, present unique durability requirements. Recognising this, AkzoNobel has established approved applicator programs that offer warranties extending up to 30 years. This speaks to our commitment to delivering both long-lasting and sustainable solutions.

At AkzoNobel, our dedication to customer centricity is evident in the personalised solutions we offer. Texture and colour customisation are integral elements of this approach, ensuring that our clients' unique visions and needs are met with precision.

Based on clients' preferences, we either modify existing products or, viewing each customer as a strategic partner, are willing to invest in the development of new sustainable offerings to better align with their vision.

Our dedication goes beyond conventional solutions. To synergise cost-saving and sustainability, we've developed products that replicate the aesthetics of precious global materials, like stone. This innovation allows clients to attain desired looks without compromising environmental ethics.

The underpinning of our approach lies in robust research and development. Collaborating with leading academic institutions and industry experts, AkzoNobel stays attuned to emerging trends, ensuring we are perpetually positioned to deliver innovative solutions that resonate with our stakeholders' evolving needs.

AkzoNobel's dedication to the environment spans its product lifecycle. Can you detail the company's efforts in ensuring its offerings remain green from inception to disposal, and the role of innovation therein?

At AkzoNobel, we have anchored our sustainability strategy in three core principles: People, Planet, and Paint. This ethos not only distinguishes us within the industry but also forms the backbone of our operations.

We are deeply committed to providing innovative paints and coatings today that will protect and preserve our world for generations to come. This dedication is underscored by our ambitious goal to cut our carbon emissions in half by 2030 through rigorous scientific targets

AkzoNobel, under the “People – Planet - Paint” ethos, is redefining surface treatments with an eye on sustainability. With ambitious targets set – a 50 per cent carbon emission reduction by 2030 and a commitment to slash energy consumption by 30 per cent alongside transitioning to 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 – we are harnessing radical efficiency and strategic partnerships to navigate a sustainable path forward.

Specifically, in the powder coatings industry, our upstream suppliers are refining their approach to raw material sourcing, emphasising both ethical procurement and efficient distribution.

On the flip side, we are also enabling our downstream consumers to realise their Environmental Social Governance (ESG) objectives. Through our cutting-edge powder coatings, we're sidestepping VOC emissions and pioneering advancements in application and curing techniques. The resultant impact is a tangible reduction in energy consumption and waste.

Given the detailed strategy and commitment you've outlined above, how do Interpon's powder coating products embody these principles and contribute directly to sustainable solutions in the coating industry?

Interpon, our flagship in the powder coatings sector, stands as a vivid example of AkzoNobel's broader sustainability mission. Each product within this line is meticulously crafted to ensure resource efficiency, with an impressive material utilisation rate nearing 99 per cent with overspray being recycled.

A key focus lies in resource conservation, particularly freshwater which is a precious global commodity. Efforts are also directed towards reducing raw material quantities or adopting recycled and renewable resources in product development. AkzoNobel is dedicated to achieving zero non-reusable waste and implementing water recycling at its water-intensive sites.

Beyond manufacturing, sustainability is a cornerstone of the application phase. Ongoing innovation has led to thinner powder coating layers for equivalent performance, enhancing versatility across a broader range of substrates in comparison to coil coatings. Compared to liquid coatings, fewer layers are typically required, accelerating processing and production.

AkzoNobel's powder coatings prioritise eco-friendliness, air quality, and energy efficiency. Our high-performance products are VOC-free and eco-conscious while ensuring consistency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, offering up to 30 years of architectural protection with warranties and certifications. It could also replicate the appearance of wood, metal, or stone, reducing the need for natural resources. Some notable products include the Interpon D3020 - our hyper-durable range engineered to withstand the harshest climate condition, or the Interpon D Futura, with a range of stylish colours to bring architecture to life.

As sustainable coating solutions evolve, what trends do you anticipate, and how is AkzoNobel positioned to navigate these developments?

AkzoNobel's leadership in the coatings arena, particularly in the powder coatings industry, underscores our commitment to staying at the vanguard. We've consistently demonstrated the capacity to forecast and pivot ahead of market dynamics, ensuring our customers benefit from the forefront of innovation.

One primary avenue of our sustainability approach focuses on product durability. The rationale is simple: the more durable a product, the less frequent the need for replacement, amplifying sustainability dividends.

But our aspirations don't stop at our doors. We champion recycling and waste reduction across the manufacturing ecosystem. Recognising the collective environmental footprint, we relentlessly refine our operations to minimise waste and actively encourage our partners to mirror these practices.

Aesthetics, however, cannot be sidelined in the quest for sustainability. The coatings industry thrives on aligning with visual trends. And while our sustainability initiatives are rigorous, they're paralleled by a keen eye on design. For instance, our recent declaration of 'sweet embrace' as the colour of the year exemplifies this commitment to contemporary aesthetics.

In essence, AkzoNobel's strategy is holistic: melding sustainability, aesthetic innovation, and durability. By synthesising these elements, we not only lead but also define the future of sustainable coating solutions in the market.