AkzoNobel, in collaboration with strategic partners spanning the value chain, has introduced an innovative approach to address carbon reduction challenges in the vehicle repair industry.

Following a 24-hour event in Amsterdam, Netherlands, which concluded yesterday, impactful exploration teams were formed, focusing on energy transition, process efficiency, and circular solutions. Attendees, including representatives from Allianz, Arval, Boekhorst Autoschade, Centro Zaragoza, Den Elzen Autoschade, Europcar Mobility Group, Grupo Velasco, Toyota, and The Vella Group, have committed to advancing toward their carbon reduction goals in the next phase.

Notably, one of the exploration teams aims to optimise repair manuals for bodyshops to enhance repairability and circularity, while another plans to establish an academy for training automotive and repair companies in sustainability.

Commenting on the event, AkzoNobel’s Commercial Director for Vehicle Refinishes EMEA, Ignacio Roman Navarro, said “We all have ambitious targets when it comes to addressing climate change, but it’s impossible for any of us to achieve them in isolation – collaboration is essential. I’m looking forward to seeing how we can take forward the challenges that came out of this program as we strive to collectively accelerate our sustainability journey.

“This event was a great starting point for us to work together and make a tangible impact on our goals. It’s something we simply have to do and, ideally, further along the road we’ll be able to transfer what we’re doing to other regions, so they can hold similar challenges that will make a real difference to achieving our ambitions,” he further added.

Carlo van de Weijer, General Manager of Eindhoven AI Systems Institute, who was one of the event’s keynote speakers also said “When confronted with big societal problems, such as reducing our carbon footprint, we must do more to innovate ourselves if we’re going to help solve these issues. It means the whole vehicle repair value chain has to put more effort into innovation. We should also remember that tomorrow’s major breakthroughs nearly always start with what first seemed like yesterday’s crazy idea.”

“We’re off to a really encouraging start. The next step is our Discovery Day in April next year, where the teams will showcase potential solutions and our partners will officially sign up to be part of the implementation phase. That’s when the hard work begins – when we start doing what needs to be done to collectively reduce our carbon footprint, based on the exploration areas we’ve defined”, he signed off.