Powder on wood is seen as a rapidly growing area within the coatings industry as the market seeks sustainability benefits. Stahl’s technology, which Akzo stressed is “the only one of its kind in the powder coatings industry, ”focuses mainly on the furniture, architectural and industrial markets.

Employing the commercially ready technology, which includes both UV and thermally curing powders, will enable the Amsterdam-based company to penetrate the ultra-low cure (80-100°C) domain. This, it said, will open up new markets based on applying powder to temperature sensitive substrates such as MDF, plywood, thermoplastics and composites.

With completion of the deal, Daniela Vlad, business director for Powder Coatings, said AkzoNobel will be able to enter “emerging market spaces that have major potential.” The “clearly differentiating UV technology” is expected to see significant growth, she said, adding that the Dutch company’s goal is to “lead the way in emerging powder markets and further establish ourselves as a technology frontrunner as our portfolio continues to expand.”

AkzoNobel’s powder coatings portfolio covers market segments ranging from domestic appliances, architecture and automotive, to furniture, IT and general industrial applications.

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist