Painting The Future

With president for China and North Asia Mark Kwok at the Helm, Akzonobel China is continuing its rich history by painting a sustainable world of possibility with ongoing innovation and a dedication to diversity.

-  Julie Cooper

Paint. It all started many millennia ago with coloured earth, a sticky liquid and curious humans. They wanted a way to express themselves. So they turned to clay, ground up insects, minerals, coloured rocks and more to make their mark. Now, in the 21st century, while creative expression is just as important, it’s luckily much simpler to pop into a paint shop and have the colour specialist mix up the perfect shade of beige – or Millennial Pink or Brave Ground – for the office walls.

As it stands, the global paints and coatings market is estimated to be worth US$223 billion by 2025. It’s a vital part of various segments of the global economy, providing protective and enhancing finishes to products in several end-use markets. Translation: it’s absolutely indispensable.

More than 200 years ago, AkzoNobel harnessed the power of paint to make its mark on the world, managing to exceed even its own expectations. “We have been making paints and coatings since 1792, and we have never stopped pushing the boundaries on what paint can achieve,” says AkzoNobel China President for China and North Asia Mark Kwok. “We are already delivering products and services far beyond our own expectations and the imaginations of our customers. And now, we must go beyond generations to protect our planet, as our industry is part of a global ecosystem.”