Among the areas of focus are next-generation powder coatings that cure at lower temperatures, which can reduce energy use during application. The laboratory will also expand AkzoNobel's capabilities in coating performance, application technology and advanced particle analysis.

AkzoNobel said research at the facility will also target improvements in customer productivity and coating life, with the goal of reducing maintenance and material use. The company employs approximately 2,700 R&D professionals across about 70 laboratories globally and has invested more than €1.3 billion in R&D over the past five years.

The Sassenheim site serves as AkzoNobel's largest R&D center and supports development work across several coatings technologies.

Lower-temperature curing remains an important development area in powder coatings because curing energy can represent a significant part of the application process. The €7.5 million investment adds dedicated capacity for advancing powder coating performance while targeting energy use, productivity and material efficiency.