„Without any doubt, 2011 has been a challenging year. After a satisfying first quarter, in which we continued to show profitable growth in line with 2010 trends, we began to experience increasing headwinds. But 2011 was not only about investing and acquiring. It was also about innovation, which is key to delivering Tomorrow’s Answers Today. There are a few examples I’d like to mention in particular. In Powder Coatings, we achieved an important breakthrough when Interpon became the first ever full body monocoat powder coating to be used on a passenger vehicle in Europe. Meanwhile, Decorative Paints launched their low cost, high quality Discovery tinting machine. This technology will allow us to build our distribution faster and in a more competitive way, especially in high growth regions. More great innovation took place at our Surface Chemistry business, where we developed a new, highly versatile hybrid polymer technology platform which can produce a range of sustainable, biodegradable polymers” – Hans Wijers, CEO Akzonobel.
AkzoNobel Sustainability Report 2011