Recently, AkzoNobel signed a strategic collaboration agreement with China National Sports Group (CNSG) and Dow Chemical to launch their first-ever partnership in the sports and education sectors. The collaboration will see the partners embed sustainable development practices into the construction and renovation of sports venues and school buildings across China.
With a view to improving public health and fitness levels, the Chinese government is pursuing a “Fitness for All” initiative, driving demand for high-quality, sustainably-built sports facilities nationwide.
Under the terms of the partnership, AkzoNobel will leverage the advantages of its Dulux Pro Wall & Ceilings products and services to provide CNSG - China’s leading company specializing in sports venue consulting, design, construction, and operations - with value-added solutions.
AkzoNobel will support the future renovation and construction of the sports venues and school buildings. These will include the renovation of the National Stadium (the Bird’s Nest) and the Beijing National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), as well as the stadium construction of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.
A Worldwide Olympic Partner, Dow Chemical has a leading range of total solutions for sports facilities, having served as a supplier to the Nanjing Youth Olympics, London Olympics, and the Sochi Winter Olympics. Since 2012, Dow Chemical has been working closely with CNSG in various areas including sports fields, indoor and outdoor terraces, anti-slip walkways, and elastic rooftop coatings, providing innovative material products and technical services.
In this new partnership, AkzoNobel will work with Dow Chemical to provide coating materials and other applications, leveraging Dow Chemical’s strength in total solutions for building and industrial coatings.
Dr. Lin Liangqi, President of AkzoNobel China and Managing Director of Decorative Paints, China and North Asia, commented on the announcement: “The partnership with CNSG and Dow is not only a breakthrough for AkzoNobel in non-commercial and residential areas, but it also demonstrates our commitment to pursuing organic growth in China. By contributing AkzoNobel’s essential protection and colours to this exciting initiative, we aim to bring greater sustainability to China’s sports facilities and school campuses, and make people’s lives more liveable and inspiring.”
The paint products selected for the partnership are made with exclusive new materials that help make buildings more environmental-friendly and energy efficient throughout their lifecycle. All of these products are certified with the China Environmental Labeling (Type II and Type CCELI), and some are also LEED- and GREENGUARD Gold-certified.
With up to 2,079 wall paint colours, exceptional wash resistance, crack resistance, mould resistance, and antibacterial performance, Dulux Pro Walls & Ceilings products also provide wall solutions with more diverse colours and durability for sports facilities and school buildings.
Zhang Lizeng, Chairman of China National Sports Group, said: “We are committed to providing green, comfortable, and healthy environments for China’s sports industry. Partnering with AkzoNobel allows us to leverage their specialized eco-premium products and solutions to build sustainable sports facilities and school campuses.”
Yoke Loon Lim, president of Dow Greater China, said: “Dow Chemical is dedicated to using science, technology, and a focus on people to drive human progress and promote sustainable chemical innovation, which aligns with AkzoNobel’s Human Cities initiative in China. I believe that this partnership will lead to the application of more sustainable building solutions in the country’s sports and education projects and help build a healthier society for all.”
AkzoNobel’s decorative paint Dulux Pro has already been tested in multiple building projects in China, including the Beijing National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), the National Center for the Performing Arts, and Mercedes-Benz Arena Shanghai. With its wide variety of paints and coatings, AkzoNobel has also helped developing sports facilities around the globe, including the Lincoln Financial Field in the United States, the Maracanã Stadium in Brazil, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in South Africa.
