Energy Efficiency, Industrial, Distributed Generation, Industrial  -  September 12, 2017

AkzoNobel opens 'world's most sustainable' paint plant

Global chemicals company AkzoNobel said Sept. 12 that is has opened "the world's most advanced and sustainable paint plant," which incorporates renewable energy and energy efficiency elements into its design.

Located in Ashington, in the U.K., the company says the hi-tech facility, which cost more than €100m to build, represents the largest ever global investment by its decorative paints business. It will become the new center of production for paint brand Dulux.

The plant uses a variety of renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic cells and a biomass boiler, alongside a highly automated manufacturing process which saves water, waste and energy. The company estimates that the carbon footprint per liter of paint produced at the site will be reduced by 50% compared with the production facilities at the plants it is replacing.

"This is a significant investment in the UK - a vital strategic market for us - and an important milestone for AkzoNobel," CEO Thierry Vanlancker said in a statement. "We continue to invest in highly innovative and sustainable production facilities to maintain and grow our leadership position, ensuring the best products for our customers in the UK and around the world.

The company said the factory will be capable of doubling its current U.K. production levels to 200 million liters a year and has capacity to support future growth plans. 

All manufacturing technologies within the plant are managed by a single integrated computer system, according to AkzoNobel's Sept. 12 news release. This means that every activity, from the ordering of raw materials to the shipping of finished products, can be initiated without operator intervention.