CHINA – With the launch of Aquasilk, an innovative waterborne coating developed by AkzoNobel, the Chinese furniture industry can transition to more sustainable waterborne coatings.

Currently only available in China, Aquasilk allows furniture makers to switch to a more eco-friendly product that contains substantially lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than the traditional solvent-borne systems they replace. This anti-scuff coating also offers superior hardness and excellent clarity. 

“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.

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. This objective is part of the company’s commitment to make its products and services as sustainable as possible.