Decorative Paints South America

2020 summary

We delivered significant organic growth and achieved a very strong performance, despite the pandemic and exchange rate volatility. Results were driven by disciplined pricing, innovation focused on premium offerings, better and broader store execution (including digital store launches) and cost-saving programs. We also experienced a steep increase in demand as consumers chose to renovate their homes during lockdown, with the help of our wide-ranging DIY (do-it-yourself) solutions.

2020 highlight

Four startups are collaborating with AkzoNobel after winning our Paint the Future Brazil startup challenge. We received 135 submissions, with 16 of the country’s best startups being selected to participate in the challenge’s finale held in São Paulo in early October. Awards were given to Aterra (Belo Horizonte); Getter (Curitiba) pictured above; nChemi (São Carlos); and Standout (São Paulo). Letters of intent have been signed, demonstrating our commitment to co-developing sustainable business opportunities.

Other key developments

• Introduced the Holding Hands program to support painters and consumers during COVID-19. It included partnerships with customers to help painters via training and food distribution
• Launched our Coral and Pinturerias del Centro online stores
• New Sparlack Cetol product lines for woodcare introduced in Brazil
• Achieved our goal of 100% water reuse in Mauá, Brazil, where we installed a water treatment plant in 2017

Spectacular aircraft takes flight

Putting our Coral decorative paints logo on a plane might seem strange, but it was a creative way for us to highlight the fact that our products feature more technology than people may realize. It also helped us to stand out by letting customers know that as well as providing advanced solutions for planes, we also help to color and protect their homes.

The project in question involved creating South America’s most colorful airplane. Our Coral brand partnered with Aerospace Coatings colleagues to work with Azul Airlines and Embraer to pay tribute to the Spix’s macaw, a national symbol in Brazil. The design features 58 colors, half of which were custom made. The Embraer paint team in São José dos Campos then applied our Aerodur 3001/3002 basecoat clearcoat system.

Decorative Paints supported the project with a “Let’s Colour” initiative to restore a local church and theater in Curaçá city. More than 3,000 liters of Coral paint were used.