AkzoNobel has developed a repair calculator for the vehicle refinish industry that will help measure, manage, and reduce carbon emissions. Designed to help customers improve their carbon footprint when using the company’s refinish products, the CO₂eRepairCalculator* is part of a new initiative to encourage bodyshops to become more sustainable.

The tool identifies the carbon levels associated with the painting and drying process — including the energy consumed — and is linked directly to the vehicle refinishing products being used. It also provides data relating to the emission of VOCs, which helps customers to understand where improvements can be made.

When using the tool, the emissions and energy consumed are calculated based on a controlled two-panel repair in a spray booth to Greenhouse Gas Protocol accounting standards. The results are presented in an online dashboard, which allows local energy prices to be factored in.

“The CO₂eRepairCalculator shows bodyshops how changes in the products they use and the processes they follow can have a direct impact on reducing carbon emissions and energy costs, as well as improving their productivity,” said Georgia Collins, commercial marketing director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. “The tool is part of our global initiative for bodyshops to ‘rethink’ sustainability throughout the entire refinishing journey. By showing actual figures, we’ll increase customer awareness and support them on their journey towards becoming a more sustainable business.”

The launch means it will now be easier for bodyshops to take positive action in an effort to meet their sustainability and carbon reduction targets. This is becoming increasingly important, as insurance companies are reportedly putting greater pressure on preferred bodyshop partners to cut their emissions in line with supply chain ambitions that meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The CO₂eRepairCalculator is currently being introduced in the UK market to Sikkens customers (with Lesonal to follow shortly). It will be rolled out across markets in Europe during the next few months. For more information, visit www.Sikkensvr.com/rethink. 

*CO₂e stands for carbon dioxide and equivalent gases. The tool measures carbon dioxide (CO₂) and equivalent gases, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), which all fall under the term greenhouse gases (GHGs).