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IPCM IN REVIEW
© AkzoNobel
AkzoNobel announces the launch of Paint the Future’s second global start-up challenge.
Following the success of the 2019’s Paint the Future event, on May 18, AkzoNobel launched Paint the Future’s second global startup challenge. Start-ups had to submit solutions addressing five challenge themes: • Enhanced functionality; • Customer experience; • Smart application; • Circular solutions; • Smart manufacturing and supply chain. Following the launch of the challenge, exploration and enrichment of the submissions will continue through July 20. Then, select finalists will be invited to a collaboration event in late 2021, where the challenge winners will be announced. Paint the Future is led by AkzoNobel and powered by thousands of connections around the world making it the industry’s largest collaborative innovation ecosystem. “Paint the Future is our dedicated ecosystem designed to accelerate innovation in paints and coatings,” says Klaas Kruithof, Chief Technology Officer. “Our first global start-up challenge was a first for our industry and our ecosystem has grown amazingly since then to include 2,137 active members. It’s a launch pad for great ideas that’s attracted a diverse group of start-ups, suppliers, academia and customers.” Those participating will have the chance to accelerate their solutions in the paints and coatings industry and form partnership opportunities and investments. The 2019 programs have already resulted in 18 successful solutions. “Our new company strategy is all about building on our strong foundation and pioneering ways to grow and innovate,” says AkzoNobel CEO, Thierry Vanlancker. “That’s why it’s the perfect time for round two of our global start-up challenge. We’re excited to see what potential collaborations the start-ups have in store for us that will help us bring surfaces to life for our customers.”
For further information:
www.letspaintthefuture.com/global-challenge-2021
Assovernici, the Association representing the Italian manufacturers of building and industrial coatings, has become a supporting member of Italy’s Advertising Standards Authority (IAP), to promote responsible advertising in the coating sector for the benefit of consumers and businesses.
With the aim of becoming the reference point of a virtuous system of commercial communication focusing on the values of truthfulness and responsibility, in April Assovernici became a supporting member of Italy’s Advertising Standards Authority (IAP). © Assovernici For the Association, joining IAP
Massimiliano Bianchi. is part of a process based on the shared values of responsibility, information and transparency, aimed at establish a consistent ‘coating culture’ and supporting the development of fair businesses. Indeed, despite the fact that most everyday objects are coated and that the sector generates a turnover of around 2 billion Euros in Italy alone, end users still have little knowledge of paint products. “In line with our code of ethics, being an IAP member enables us to provide our companies with clear criteria for the management of correct and truthful communication towards competitors and consumers,” states Assovernici President, Massimiliano Bianchi. “Moreover, it gives us the opportunity to contribute to regulations compliance and the definition of rules that are consistent with the nature and characteristics of our sector, which is still little known to the general public and must become increasingly widespread and comprehensible, in order to encourage the responsible management and correct use of coatings.” Assovernici’s commitment to promoting transparent communication is a key promise in the current Covid-19 pandemic: a period of proliferation of misleading advertising for disinfectant, antimicrobial and antiviral coatings often not scientifically validated and documented. “We welcome Assovernici as a new member of IAP: it is a tangible demonstration of commitment to responsible communication, based on rules which are on the one hand, validated, but on the other hand open to social and technological evolution to ensure the protection of consumers and fair competition,” notes Vincenzo Guggino, Secretary General of IAP.
For further information: www.assovernici.it
