AkzoNobel builds a new plant.

AkzoNobel has made the decision to invest in the construction of a new production facility in Vilafranca del Penedès, Spain, in order to manufacture bisphenol-free coatings for use in the metal packaging industry in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa).

The upcoming construction, which is expected to be operational by mid-2025, will generate approximately 40 new jobs and has been planned following the best available sustainability standards.

According to Jim Kavanagh, the director of the company’s industrial coatings business, the new plant will be a great help in responding to the growing demand from the packaging industry.

The company has just announced the launch of advanced coatings technology, including two new products called Accelstyle. This announcement demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing its customers with the support they need to adapt to a changing future.

“The new technology we have developed can also reduce the carbon footprint by around 30% compared to current epoxy alternatives, highlighting the fact that bisphenol-free metal packaging is not only circular, but also meets consumer expectations for sustainable packaging.”he added.

These products are characterized by being free of bisphenol, styrene and PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). This is an evolution from the May 2023 launch of Accelshield 700, the first BPA-NI (unintentional bisphenol A) free inner liner for beverage can lids, thus complying with regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the EU.