International. AkzoNobel supplies bio-based paint to Kia Motors for the interior of its new EV9 electric SUV. It's the first time the vehicle manufacturer has specified a bio-based interior lining.
Two types of biorosin (rosin is a solid form of resin) have been used to create the product, one extracted from rosin and the other from pine rosin. Paint can be found on the EV9's interior door switch panels, and AkzoNobel also supplies coatings for the rest of the interior.
In addition to obtaining 100% approval from the company, the bio-based paint used in the EV9 also meets all of Kia Motors' requirements for physical and chemical resistance (against sunscreen, air fresheners, heat and scratches, for example).
"Both companies have a long history of developing more sustainable products and we are proud to have played a role in helping Kia Motors achieve a remarkable production milestone," said Patrick Bourguignon, Head of AkzoNobel's Automotive and Specialty Coatings business.
"Kia Motors had a very specific coating requirement for the EV9 and the performance of our bio-based product met all their needs," added Bourguignon.
"It's the latest example of how we, as a company, continue to develop advanced coatings technology that minimizes environmental impact, without compromising quality," he said.
AkzoNobel has been a partner of Kia Motors for ten years, and while this new agreement is currently limited to EV9 models produced in South Korea, it is expected to extend to several of the automaker's upcoming EV models.
