AkzoNobel Opens R&D Facility for Low-Cure Powder Coatings
COMO, Italy — AkzoNobel has opened a new research center at its site in Como, Italy, that will develop products for the growing area of powder on wood. The new R&D facility, which features an application lab, process lab, and an analytical and testing lab, is dedicated to delivering low-cure powder coatings for use on heat-sensitive substrates such as MDF, plywood, thermoplastics and composites.
The center’s inauguration follows AkzoNobel’s recent acquisition of Stahl’s powder coatings activities, which gave AkzoNobel access to a broad range of solutions, including unique UV technology. The Como center will now focus on developing an expanding portfolio of low-cure solutions, including low-bake, UV and ultra-low-bake powder technologies. This will enable customers to use less energy during production, gain process speed, and boost their own sustainability profile.