AkzoNobel recently announced that it has acquired Stahl Performance Powder Coatings and its range of products for heat-sensitive substrates. The deal reportedly gives AkzoNobel accelerated access to low-curing technology that the company expects will open up new market opportunities.

“This is a great acquisition which will enable us to build on our global leadership position by entering emerging market spaces that have major potential,” said Daniela Vlad, business director of AkzoNobel Powder Coatings. “The clearly differentiating UV technology in particular is expected to see significant growth and will further strengthen our position as a complete provider of sustainable solutions for heat sensitive substrates, in particular for our wood coatings customers.”

The technology acquired by AkzoNobel includes both UV and thermally curing powders. AkzoNobel expects that the technology will enable it to penetrate the ultra-low-cure (80-100C) domain, opening up new markets based on applying powder to temperature-sensitive substrates such as MDF, plywood, thermoplastics, and composites. Powder on wood is reportedly a rapidly growing area within the coatings industry, as customers look to embrace the sustainability benefits that powder has to offer. The acquired technology is mainly focused on the furniture, architectural, and industrial markets.

“Adding this know-how to our existing expertise will open up a broad range of process applications and enable us to deliver innovative new surface solutions,” Vlad said. “We’re looking to lead the way in emerging powder markets and further establish ourselves as a technology frontrunner as our portfolio continues to expand.”

For more information, visit www.akzonobel.com and www.stahl.com/performance-coatings/powder-coatings.