Wood Finishing: The Power of Small Changes

Bilal Salahuddin

In the wood coatings industry, we’re making it clear that even the smallest adjustments in how we manufacture, finish and use wood products can have a measurable impact on both the environment and operational efficiency. Sustainability is not an isolated responsibility but a collective effort that can deliver tangible benefits for businesses across the value chain. Take for instance our more sustainable wood coatings solutions, which can help manufacturers reduce waste, toxic emissions and carbon footprint.

As part of our corporate goal to reduce our carbon footprint by 50% by 2030*, we have transitioned to renewable energy at our North American manufacturing facilities, including our wood coatings sites that are in High Point, North Carolina and Salem, Oregon. Because of this, we were recently accepted as an official partner with the US EPA’s Green Power Partnership. By choosing green power, we advance the voluntary market for sustainable energy. Our usage is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of over 6.4k average** American homes. By integrating renewable energy into production, we’re not just advocating for sustainability in a vacuum. We’re showing how it can be done—practically and effectively—through the choices we make as a company. 

*Company-wide, across our full value chain, using 2018 as the baseline.

**Based on 2023 data

Small Steps, Big Impact

We are taking a holistic approach to sustainability, addressing not just the final product but every step along the value chain. For example, we were able to cut our energy consumption through our recent installation of LED lighting at our Port Hope, Canada manufacturing site. This is just one small step we are taking, and we urge businesses to rethink how they design, produce and finish wood products like cabinetry, furniture and flooring. 

In an industry often defined by resource-intensive processes, a focus on waste reduction is a crucial step in creating a resilient supply chain as well. Therefore, the message we’re sharing with our customers is “It all adds up” through making small changes that accumulate. Each step we take creates a ripple effect, demonstrating that the rewards not only directly impact the bottom line but also extend beyond it.

Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage

In today’s market, businesses that lead in sustainability are gaining a competitive edge among their competitors. But it isn’t just about responding to market trends; it’s about creating measurable improvements for our operations. For instance, many of our coatings solutions are designed with lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Coatings that are low in VOCs can make a significant difference in improving the overall sustainability of our customer’s operations.

By fostering a mindset where every small change counts, we then create a vision that has the power to inspire not just businesses, but consumers and policymakers to embrace sustainability at every level. 

Cost Savings Through Efficiency

It’s easy to assume that these practices come with high costs and long timelines, but that doesn’t have to be the case. For example, when our customers choose coatings that reduce waste and improve material usage, they are reducing their costs associated with raw materials, disposal and labor. We’ve helped one of our customers save up to $300k per year on product waste, and over $1k for each drum they reclaimed*. 

Additionally, we can provide our customers with transparent carbon footprint data using a specific carbon footprint calculator, so we can empower them to take control of their own journeys. This tool identifies carbon footprint data for all products manufactured by AkzoNobel facilities so it can help customers drive efficiencies in their business. 

*Based on 2023 data. Potential savings may depend on multiple factors.

The Power of Collective Action

Sustainability is often viewed as something that individual companies must tackle on their own.
 We see it differently, as we are not just providing products but building genuine partnerships to drive sustainable transformation across the entire wood coatings ecosystem. 

Through collaboration, we can build a future where sustainability is woven into every aspect of the industry—from the products we develop to the way we manufacture them. Through collaborative innovation and as part of our corporate commitment, AkzoNobel is working with suppliers, policymakers, academia and our customers to create real solutions. We are proud to be leading the way, offering our customers the tools, products, services and expertise they need to make it a core part of their operations too. We invite you to join us on this journey—because, in the end, it all adds up.

Paint the Future 

Our coatings are designed with the future in mind, not just to protect wood products but to contribute to a more sustainable value chain. It is why we’ll continue to invest in research and development that improves our product portfolio which already includes industry-leading UV technology, waterborne coatings that has created a 61% carbon footprint reduction*, and our solventborne coatings that are 100% formaldehyde-free. Additionally, our Sustainable Product Portfolio Assessment program continues to help us identify and measure our products so we can deliver products with proven benefits and save our customers money. 

*Compared to our solventborne coatings

Taking the Next Step

As we look toward the future, the question isn’t whether we can afford to invest in sustainability; it’s whether we can afford not to. By promoting this kind of shift in thinking, AkzoNobel Wood Coatings is helping to redefine the future of the wood coatings industry—one where every action counts, and where sustainability isn’t just an aspiration but an integral part of how business gets done. Read more about how it all adds up on our website here: Sustainability – Industrial Wood Coatings.