Arkema hosts Thought Leaders panel on carbon footprint reduction across coating value chain at 2025 European Coatings Show
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Arkema, a leader in specialty materials, is bringing together AkzoNobel, Omya, Beckers, ADEO and PPG to discuss how, collectively across the coatings industry, Carbon Footprint Reduction can be accelerated. Those trends include driving the change towards more sustainable paints for homes, lower carbon footprint materials and processes for the built environment, new coating applications for safer electric vehicle batteries.
Jean-Laurent Dhaeyer, Industrial buyer for decorative market at ADEO.
Wijnand Bruinsma, Director of Sustainability at AkzoNobel.
Nadine Nicolai, Global Business Development Director Construction at Omya.
Thomas Lüder, Global Director of Sustainability Partnerships at Beckers.
Thierry Destruhaut, Sustainability Director Automotive at PPG.
Marc Schuller, Chief Operating Officer at Arkema
Julie Haevermans, Chief Marketing Officer at Arkema Coating Solutions
Helene Pernot, Director of Sustainable Offer at Arkema Coating Solutions
Together with key players in the coatings industry, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint.
This initiative illustrates what we can achieve collectively and is designed to be inclusive, welcoming all stakeholders - customers, suppliers, and industry leaders - who want to contribute to this transformation. The more we collaborate, the greater our impact.”
In the current context of economic challenges affecting our markets, it is critical that the transition to more sustainable solutions is not only innovative but also economically viable for all stakeholders—industry leaders, professionals, and consumers alike.
We’ll focus on tangible, high-performance innovations already shaping the future of coatings.
- Market & consumer expectations: Decarbonization acceleration & Leroy Merlin Home Index
- More sustainable homes: 30% lower carbon footprint deco paints
- Decarbonizing the built environment: Roadmap to net zero - 70% energy savings
- Electric vehicle: Key role of coatings for decarbonization & battery safety
#1 - MARKET & CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS:
Why is it crucial to join forces right now to accelerate sustainable solutions?
Because environmental challenges are urgent, we need to act fast. At Arkema, sustainability is both a responsibility and a huge opportunity to innovate and drive real change.”
Three key reasons to accelerate now:
- First, CLIMATE! The EU’s 2050 carbon neutrality target—along with global commitments—is pushing the entire value chain to cut emissions. Regulations are tightening. Consumers are demanding action and companies are stepping up with ambitious climate pledges.
- Second, COATINGS MATTER. Industries have long focused on cutting operational emissions—insulation, electrification, energy efficiency. Now, the spotlight is on embodied carbon in materials and processes, and coatings play a crucial role in reducing it.
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Third, SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS have never been higher. Customers, consumers and employees all want real, immediate action. No more waiting.
How are consumer expectations evolving and how is ADEO adapting?
Over the past few years, consumer expectations have shifted significantly. There’s a growing demand for transparency and sustainability, driven by climate change awareness.”
To address this, ADEO decided to launch its "Home Index" in 2022.
This indicator assesses the social and environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle. Products are then rated from A (the best score) to E (the lowest score).
The rating is calculated based on 8 categories such as raw materials, production, product recyclability, etc.
In addition to price and customer reviews, we offer “transparency” to our customers, enabling them to make informed and responsible choices. This approach drives us to continuously improve our products and thus reduce their carbon footprint.
ADEO is integrating sustainability into its products by implementing concrete initiatives.
With Luxens paints for instance, making long-lasting, healthier paints has always been a priority. For over 10 years, we’ve been offering low-VOC and water-based solutions, along with eco-labeled paints.
Since 2022, we’ve stepped up our efforts, launching a range of bio-based primers and paints with 98% bio-based resin to cut carbon emissions as much as possible.
In 2025, we’ll take the next step with our first bio-based exterior facade paint. But we know sustainability doesn’t stop at paints. We need to accelerate innovation in glues, sealants, and PU foams, where eco-friendly options are still limited.
Beyond formulas, we’re also working on recycled materials in packaging. However, the price positioning and availability of bio-based paint remains expensive. That’s why we’re shifting our strategy: instead of a dedicated “green” range, we now favor A WIDER REDUCED CARBON IMPACT, for the majority of our products, AIMING FOR A BROADER OFFER & IMPACT.
How do we get there? Collaboration.
At ADEO, we believe that working closely across the value chain is the only way to drive real change. We need to shape the best solutions based on performance expectations, while pushing for new sustainable technologies.
As the European leader in DIY, we have a responsibility and a role to play!