Supply Chain & the Circular Economy

Maersk Line Partners with AkzoNobel to Drive Sustainability

Mar 28, 2017 3:00 PM ET

March 28, 2017 /3BL Media/ - AkzoNobel and leading global container shipping company Maersk Line have signed a strategic sustainability partnership to reduce carbon emissions per container shipped by 10%.

The aim of the partnership - which reflects the mutual ambition of both companies to jointly elevate sustainability in the maritime industry - is to drive positive change in a number of areas, including:

  • Creating transparency on sustainable best practices in the supply chain
  • Identifying ways to integrate sustainability into the customer-supplier relationship as a decision-making factor
  • Reducing carbon emissions per container shipped by 10%

Both companies serve as customer and supplier for each other, which means the two parties enter into the partnership on equal terms.

"This sustainability partnership with AkzoNobel is an important step towards a common framework to jointly elevate and promote supply chain transparency and sustainability in our industries," said Annette Stube, Head of Sustainability Maersk Transport and Logistics. "Successful resolution of sustainability issues will rarely occur through the power of one individual company. The fact that we are customers and suppliers to each other and are joining forces to drive change, can have significant positive impact to the customer-supplier relationship."

Added André Veneman, AkzoNobel's Corporate Director of Sustainability: "We are proud to partner with Maersk Line. This is a pioneering collaboration where two industry leaders have come together to make the world a more sustainable place, in line with our own Planet Possible approach. We live in a world where sustainability is important for the long-term existence of our company, our society and our planet. By working together with customers, partners and suppliers, we can make life more liveable, healthy and inspiring."

As a part of the agreement - which was signed in The Hague, the Netherlands - the two companies will continue to cooperate and explore innovations and new ideas to help improve their own sustainability and business performance, as well as within the overall marine and logistics industry.

Both parties are also part of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI), an ambitious global coalition taking practical steps to tackle some of the sector's greatest opportunities and challenges. Connecting the shipping industry's key stakeholders, the SSI works towards sustainable shipping practices.

About AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people's lives more liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.