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AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes and Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University join forces to scale Sustainable Repair Network into industry benchmark

24-09-2025

The collaboration is part of RSM’s Living Management Project (LMP) – a core element of its International Full-time MBA programme – which gives students the opportunity to work with leading businesses on real-world challenges. In this project, AkzoNobel and RSM will identify new opportunities to accelerate the adoption of AkzoNobel’s Sustainable Repair Network across EMEA and beyond and will strengthen its position as a market-leading sustainability solution for the vehicle repair industry.

Introduced in 2023, the Sustainable Repair Network helps bodyshops reduce their carbon footprint through a combination of tools, technologies, and consultancy services. The initiative aligns with AkzoNobel’s Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and supports the company’s ambition to reduce downstream carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.

The Sustainable Repair Network currently has 495 participating bodyshops across 15 European countries. The network is expected to grow significantly over the coming years, with plans for global expansion by 2028.

Building on this strong foundation, and to support the growth in participation the LMP project will explore new ways to expand the Network’s reach and reinforce its position as the go-to standard for sustainable vehicle refinishing.

Ignacio Román Navarro, Business Director Automotive & Vehicle Refinishes EMEA at AkzoNobel, says: “The Sustainable Repair Network is more than a program – it’s a pathway to a more efficient, future-ready repair industry. This collaboration with RSM allows us to test new ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop solutions that support our customers in delivering low-carbon repairs at scale. By working together,” explains Ignacio, “we are not only preparing our customers for the future but also empowering them to meet their ESG goals, driving sustainability across the repair industry.”

Through the Living Management Project, RSM MBA teams will assess customer engagement strategies, identify barriers to wider participation, and deliver actionable recommendations that align with AkzoNobel’s goals for growth, innovation, and decarbonisation.

David Catanho, Sustainability Transformation Manager for AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes, adds: “SRN is designed to turn sustainability ambitions into everyday action. This partnership gives us a chance to refine our approach while learning from the next generation of business leaders who bring fresh thinking to the challenge of scaling impact.”

Ian Loumos, Associate Director of the International Full-time MBA programme at RSM says that through the Living Management Project, RSM students are gaining experience in tackling sustainability challenges: “Our collaboration with AkzoNobel gives students opportunities for hands-on experience of working on real-world projects. They’ll be enhancing their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills at the same time as shaping innovative solutions that drive industry-wide change,” he says.

“We’re excited to be part of a partnership that prepares the next generation of leaders to tackle sustainability at scale.”

The project also supports AkzoNobel’s efforts to attract top talent and strengthen its position as an employer of choice in the coatings, vehicle refinishes and sustainability sectors. By working closely with students from one of Europe’s leading business schools, the company continues to invest in the future of the industry and reinforce its commitment to shaping a sustainable aftermarket.

To learn more about the Sustainable Repair Network, visit our website: https://www.sikkensvr.com/en-uk/Services/Sustainable-Repair-Network


Discover RSM’s International Full-time MBA programme here: https://www.rsm.nl/education/mba/international-full-time-mba/