Online Repair Calculator for Vehicle Refinishing

AkzoNobel (Amsterdam, Netherlands) has developed the first repair calculator for the vehicle refinish industry, enabling users to measure, manage and reduce carbon emissions.

Designed to help customers improve their carbon footprint when using the company’s premium refinish products, the CO₂eRepairCalculator is part of a new initiative which aims to encourage bodyshops to become more sustainable.

The tool is the latest digital innovation from AkzoNobel; it identifies the carbon levels associated with the painting and drying process — including the energy consumed — and is linked directly to the vehicle refinishing products being used. It also provides data relating to the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), therefore helping customers to understand where improvements can be made.

When using the tool, the emissions and energy consumed are calculated based on a controlled two-panel repair in a spray booth to Greenhouse Gas Protocol accounting standards. The results are presented in an online dashboard, which enables local energy prices to be factored in.

According to the company, the launch means it will now be easier for bodyshops to take positive action in an effort to meet their sustainability and carbon reduction targets. This is becoming increasingly important, as insurance companies are putting greater pressure on preferred bodyshop partners to cut their emissions in line with supply chain ambitions that meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The CO2eRepairCalculator is currently being introduced in the UK market to Sikkens customers (with Lesonal to follow shortly). AkzoNobel says it will be rolled out across markets in Europe during the next few months.