International. AkzoNobel has presented Autowave Optima, a new generation of water-based color that promises to streamline processes in body shops and reduce environmental impact.
Designed for the premium brands Sikkens and Lesonal, this new product seeks to balance productivity, sustainability and quality.
Reduced time and material savings
According to the company, Autowave Optima allows for a reduction of up to 50% in application time compared to conventional methods. Its high pigmentation allows for optimal coverage in 1.5 coats, which translates into an estimated 15% saving in paint material.
One-step application eliminates the need for intermediate evaporation, allowing technicians to enter the paint booth only once. This efficiency translates into a 60% reduction in energy costs and carbon emissions. In addition, the product contains 380 g/l of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which is 10% below the legal limit of 420 g/l.
Advanced technology and digitalization
Autowave Optima is compatible with AkzoNobel's Automatchic® spectrophotometer and MIXIT® color search software, ensuring high accuracy in tone matching. It can also be integrated with the Refinish+ digital platform for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and with the Carbeat® dashboard to improve operational efficiency in shop floors.
Expansion in key markets
The launch of Autowave Optima will begin in select markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), with further expansion to North America and other countries in the region. AkzoNobel stresses that this development is part of its innovation strategy in sustainable and high-performance coatings for the automotive industry.
