AkzoNobel's Innovative Hydrogen-Powered Spray Booth in Belgium
Key Ideas
- AkzoNobel has installed one of the automotive industry’s first hydrogen-powered spray booths at a new training centre in Belgium near Brussels.
- The new facility is part of a program to expand and upgrade AkzoNobel's network of Automotive Training Centers globally, emphasizing the use of latest technologies for more sustainable operations.
- The hydrogen-powered combi spray booth is equipped with advanced features like a special air filtration system and a high-efficiency particulate air filter for clean air production.
- The training programs offered at the center focus on various aspects of automotive painting, including new digital color processes and repairs for electric vehicles, contributing to quality improvement and sustainability in the industry.
AkzoNobel has recently installed one of the automotive industry’s pioneering hydrogen-powered spray booths at a new training center near Brussels, Belgium. This facility is part of a significant investment program aimed at enhancing the company's network of over 40 Automotive Training Centers worldwide. The new spray booth, designed to surpass local environmental regulations, showcases how adopting cutting-edge technologies can lead to more sustainable practices. The site, which is 30% larger than its predecessor, is built to achieve BREEAM certification, underlining AkzoNobel's target of reducing carbon emissions throughout its value chain by 2030. Patrick Bourguignon, the Director of Automotive and Specialty Coatings at AkzoNobel, highlights the necessity of preparing future automotive painters with the latest technologies and techniques. The expanded Belgian facility will enable the training of more individuals, offering insights into how modern technologies can decrease carbon footprints, shorten drying times, and minimize energy consumption, steering the industry towards a greener path. The hydrogen-powered combi spray booth at the center is fully equipped for traditional repairs and boasts a sophisticated air filtration system utilizing active carbon to manage volatile organic compounds. Moreover, it features a high-efficiency particulate air filter that produces clean air, ensuring up to 99% purity before emission. The training programs provided cover a wide array of topics, including application techniques, product training, and digital color processes. There is a notable emphasis on enhancing quality standards, refining processes, and addressing repairs for radar-equipped and electric vehicles.