Ageas Sustainability Day: Advancing Automotive Sustainability
24-09-2024
On Wednesday 31st July 2024, the AkzoNobel Automotive Training Centre in Didcot hosted Ageas's Sustainability Day, an event dedicated to exploring sustainability within the automotive industry. The event commenced with an address by Paul Llewellyn, Head of Ageas Motor Claims, who emphasised the importance of sustainable solutions from industry suppliers. This set the stage for a day filled with insightful presentations and practical demonstrations.
AkzoNobel’s Sustainability CommitmentsExperts from AkzoNobel, Frank Delaney and Paul James, presented the company’s sustainability commitments centred around the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). They outlined AkzoNobel’s goal to reduce its full supply chain CO2e emissions by 50% by 2030, using 2018 as the baseline. Additionally, they discussed the achievements made internally and updated delegates on the success of the newly launched Sustainable Repair Network (SRN). This network provides a suite of tools and processes for bodyshops to measure, monitor, and improve their CO2 performance.
Presentations from Industry LeadersThe event featured presentations from AEC Solar and UNIC, who showcased their portfolios of sustainable products. Dean Lander from Thatcham also contributed with a presentation on workforce sustainability, highlighting the need for a human element in sustainable practices.
Practical DemonstrationsThe afternoon session was dedicated to practical demonstrations of AkzoNobel’s innovative products. Attendees observed the application of the newly launched Autosurfacer Optima fast-drying filler, along with a complete repair process that included AkzoNobel’s UV Putty, UV Primer, Autowave Basecoat, and Aerodry ambient clearcoat. The entire repair process was completed in approximately 35 minutes, with the booth temperature maintained at no higher than 21 degrees Celsius.
The Ageas Sustainability Day underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing sustainability within the automotive sector. The event highlighted the significant strides being made by industry leaders and reinforced the collective commitment to a more sustainable future.
“The Ageas Sustainable Solutions Day was a convergence of innovation and commitment, providing attendees with valuable insights into sustainable practices within the automotive industry. It showcased how industry leaders are not only setting ambitious sustainability targets but also actively demonstrating practical solutions that drive us towards a sustainable future,” says Paul Llewellyn, Head of Motor Claims at Ageas.
Paul James, Strategic Accounts Manager Vehicle Refinishes UK & Ireland at AkzoNobel, adds: “The Ageas Sustainability Day was a great success. Collaborating with industry leaders to drive sustainability in the vehicle refinishes market is a key priority for us.
“We showcased the Sustainable Repair Network (SRN), which equips bodyshops with tools to measure, monitor, and improve their CO2 performance. The Network is a vital initiative by helping people working in bodyshops to visualise where they stand in sustainability, how they can measure and track it, and what they can do to become more sustainable and efficient.”
