AkzoNobel’s UK sustainability initiatives have included saving 1000 tonnes of paint waste every year by transforming it into products for construction and landscaping.

The business, part of Dutch multinational AkzoNobel, has also installed a new heating and cooling system at its Slough headquarters which will reduce energy consumption by up to 96% and drive the company’s energy bill down from £350,000 to £15,000.

The firm made use of a centrifuge at its manufacturing facility in Slough, which has led to a 70% reduction in waste paint sludge being removed from the site.

It has also installed a rainwater harvesting system at its site in Prudhoe which saves around 900,000 litres of water every year.

Triple crown

AkzoNobel Decorative Paints UK director Susan Kendal said: “We put the environment at the heart of everything we do. Our sustainability strategy, Planet Possible, is designed to secure more value from fewer resources.

“Our teams are always challenging, questioning and innovating to ensure we do more, while using less, right across the business.

“It’s fantastic to have the international recognition of the Carbon Trust for our efforts. We plan to continue doing bigger and better things to reduce our greenhouse emissions, waste and water usage.”

Award winner

AkzoNobel previously achieved the 2014 Sustainability Leaders Awards prize for best Sustainability Reporting.

The Dutch multinational has carbon reduction targets per tonne of sale of between 25-30% for 2020, having recognised an absolute reduction in its carbon footprint since 2012.

Darran Messem, managing director of Carbon Trust Certification, said AkzoNobel had demonstrated clear commitment to improving its sustainability year-on-year: “We are now delighted to award recertification to AkzoNobel for continuing to make ongoing improvements and I would like to congratulate everyone in the business that has helped to accomplish this.”

Matt Field

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe