AkzoNobel launches tool to drive bodyshop sustainability

AkzoNobel claims it has developed the vehicle refinish industry’s first repair calculator to measure, manage and reduce carbon emissions in bodyshops.

Designed to help customers improve their carbon footprint when using the company’s premium refinish products, the ‘CO2eRepairCalculator’ is part of a new initiative which aims to encourage bodyshops to become more sustainable.

The tool identifies the carbon levels associated with the painting and drying process – including the energy consumed – and is linked directly to the vehicle refinishing products being used.

It also provides data relating to the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), therefore helping customers to understand where improvements can be made, according to AkzoNobel.

When using the tool, the emissions and energy consumed are calculated based on a controlled two-panel repair in a spray booth to Greenhouse Gas Protocol accounting standards.

The results are presented in an online dashboard, which allows local energy prices to be factored in.

The CO2eRepairCalculator will be rolled out across Europe over the coming months.