AkzoNobel has introduced in China a new thermal insulation coating system designed to reduce building temperatures and enhance energy efficiency. Developed by the company’s Decorative Paints business, the company says its innovative system features a radiative cooling topcoat and a thermal radiation barrier mid-coat—together functioning like a sunscreen for buildings. According to AkzoNobel, the mid-coat can lower surface temperatures by up to 10% during hot summer months compared to traditional coatings.
“This is a significant breakthrough in architectural coatings and opens up new avenues for energy-efficient building renovations,” said Karen Yin, director of the company’s Decorative Paints China North Asia business and president of AkzoNobel China. “We aim to provide consumers with safer, more sustainable and comfortable living environments, while contributing to China’s dual-carbon policy, which is focused on both controlling total carbon emissions and carbon emissions intensity.”
Per AkzoNobel, the mid-coat incorporates advanced aerogel insulation materials known for low thermal conductivity, effectively blocking heat transmission and penetration. The topcoat, an enhanced formulation of heat-reflective coatings, offers increased solar reflectivity to further minimize heat absorption. It also features high thermal emittance, enabling it to release heat directly back into the atmosphere—helping to alleviate urban heat island effects.