Chinese furniture industry becoming more sustainable with help from AkzoNobel

Furniture makers in China can now switch to using more eco-friendly coatings after AkzoNobel developed a new waterborne system to help them meet stricter government standards and a shift in consumer preferences.

The launch of Aquasilk – an innovative waterborne anti-scuff coating with superior hardness and excellent clarity – is designed to make it easier for the Chinese furniture industry to make the transition to more sustainable waterborne coatings.

Currently only available in China, the product contains substantially lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than the traditional solvent-borne systems they replace.

"Demand for waterborne coatings in China’s furniture market is growing due to both strong consumer interest in more sustainable products and supportive government policies," explained Kenny Chae, Business Director for AkzoNobel’s Wood Coatings business in Asia Pacific.

"Our innovative new Aquasilk range is tailored for the Chinese market and supports this shift in consumer preference, as well as helping our customers meet strict regulations. It also reflects our purpose to provide everyday essentials that leave a lasting impact on people’s lives."

Sustainability is integral to AkzoNobel’s global strategy, which is underpinned by innovative products such as Aquasilk. The first waterborne coating to contain the company’s in-house resin, the product offers improved clarity in both wet and dry conditions, as well as superior hardness, when compared with traditional waterborne systems. It also contains no NMP or NEP solvents, which are commonly used in the industry, but AkzoNobel’s commitment to sustainability has led to a company-wide ban on their usage."

Commenting on the announcement, Volkan Goren, Managing Director of AkzoNobel’s Wood Coatings business, said: "This development highlights our focus on innovation and delivering breakthrough sustainable solutions for our customers and consumers. As a leading global paints and coatings company, we are constantly working to raise sustainable development to new levels and show how our Planet Possible strategy can help our customers to do more with less."

Placing sustainability at the heart of its research and development efforts, AkzoNobel aims to increase its revenue from downstream eco-premium solutions to 20 percent of revenue by 2020, and has already exceeded 30 percent in China. It’s all part of the company’s commitment to make lives more liveable and inspiring while also making its products and services as sustainable as possible.

One of China’s largest furniture manufacturers, Markor Furniture International Co., has already experienced the benefits of AkzoNobel’s waterborne coating solutions. Mr. Shaojun Gu, Markor’s General Manager of Base Manufacture, said: "AkzoNobel’s range of waterborne coatings deliver the highest standards of color and protection, adding tremendous value to our products and delighting our customers, who demand quality."