Arkema, AkzoNobel, and Omya Collaborate to Develop Low-Carbon Decorative Coatings
Industry Leaders Aim to Cut Carbon Footprint by Up to 50% in Mass-Market Paints
April 29, 2025 – Paris/Amsterdam/Oftringen – In a landmark move to accelerate sustainability in the coatings industry, Arkema, AkzoNobel, and Omya have announced a strategic collaboration to develop low-carbon footprint decorative paints. The partnership targets a carbon emissions reduction of up to 50% in mass-market paint formulations—while maintaining high performance and application standards.
The initiative marks a significant step toward decarbonizing the decorative paint value chain, reflecting increasing regulatory pressure and consumer demand for environmentally responsible building materials.
Project Scope and Technical Innovation
The collaboration leverages Arkema’s waterborne resin expertise, AkzoNobel’s coating formulation and marketing leadership, and Omya’s advanced mineral dispersion technology. Together, the companies are working on:
- Optimizing raw materials with low embodied carbon
- Enhancing binder systems using bio-based or circular feedstocks
- Reducing energy demand during manufacturing and application
- Lowering VOC content and enhancing indoor air quality post-application
Their joint objective is to deliver commercially viable products that meet EU environmental criteria, align with green building certifications, and prepare for the upcoming Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) standards.
Market Drivers and Strategic Importance
Europe’s decorative coatings sector is facing rapid transformation, driven by:
- EU Green Deal and Fit for 55 targets
- Mandatory carbon disclosure frameworks
- Retailer-driven eco-labelling requirements
By offering a carbon footprint reduction of 30–50%, this alliance aims to provide scalable solutions that comply with Ecolabel, LEED, and BREEAM standards.
Company Insights and Competitive Positioning
Arkema (France) is a global leader in advanced materials and specialty chemicals, with growing investments in bio-based resins through its Coatex and Sartomer divisions.
AkzoNobel (Netherlands), known for brands like Dulux and Sikkens, leads in decorative paints across Europe and Asia and has pledged to halve its carbon emissions by 2030.
Omya (Switzerland) is a top supplier of industrial minerals and specialty dispersions, focused on sustainable formulations for coatings, paper, and plastics.
This joint project sets a new benchmark in the coatings sector, challenging industry giants such as PPG Industries, Sherwin-Williams, and BASF to intensify their sustainability innovations.
Global Market Outlook and Export Relevance
According to IMARC and MarketsandMarkets, the global decorative coatings market is projected to exceed USD 85 billion by 2030, growing at over 5% CAGR. Low-carbon technologies are poised to capture a substantial share as governments and construction firms shift toward net-zero targets.
The Arkema–AkzoNobel–Omya collaboration will influence product offerings in Europe, with potential expansion to Asia-Pacific and North America, where green construction and eco-label standards are fast evolving.
