Dr. Carol Routledge has a background in chemistry and has worked in Sustainability at AkzoNobel for six years, initially at the Business Unit level, but more recently driving change in Sustainability activities within the Performance Coatings Business Area, one of three in total within AkzoNobel.

The challenge of delivery of robust and practical eco efficiency improvements in Performance Coatings is being tackled through targeted delivery of 'more value from fewer resources', focussing on eco premium solutions and reduction in product carbon footprints. Membership of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative is providing a route to better understand the ability the business has to impact the eco efficiency of the supply chain transport.

Additionally, a clearer picture of the AkzoNobel value chains, including transport of raw materials and finished goods has proved invaluable in terms of customer insight. There is now greater recognition of approaches that can be used to promote collaboration and leadership, supporting customers as they tackle their Sustainability problems.