Akzo Nobel India Limited (‘the Company’) was incorporated in India on March 12, 1954 as Indian Explosives Limited. It is currently known as Akzo Nobel India Limited with effect from February 15, 2010 under Section 23(1) of the Companies Act, 1956.

Akzo Nobel India is the world's largest coatings company, with leading market positions and brands in countries around the world. The company supplies essential protection and essential colour to industries and consumers. Backed by a pioneering heritage, the company’s innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of its fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Ranked as a leader in sustainability, the company is dedicated to energising cities and communities while creating a protected, colourful world where life is improved by what it does.

History of the company:

In the year 1911, the ICI Group commenced its operations in India. Brunner Mond & Co, one of the four companies that combined in 1926 to form ICI in the UK, opened a trading office in Calcutta (now Kolkata) to sell alkalis and dyes. In 1923, it became Brunner Mond & Co (India) and, in 1929, the name was changed to Imperial Chemical Industries (India) Ltd. This was followed by a period of sustained expansion, diversification and growth leading to 1954, with the formation of Indian Explosives Ltd, promoted jointly by ICI PLC and the Government of India. The Government of India’s holding became nil in 2003. The name of the Company was changed to IEL Limited in 1985, to ICI India Limited in 1989 and to Akzo Nobel India Limited in 2010.

Along with the other group companies of ICI PLC in India, it sponsored the establishment of the ICI India Research and Technology Centre in Thane in 1976. Over the years, it saw more consolidation, restructuring and divestment. The highlights of this period include the merger of three other group companies of ICI plc in India - The Alkali and Chemical Corporation of India Ltd, Chemicals and Fibres India Limited and Crescent Dyes and Chemicals Limited - in 1984. Nalco Chemicals India Ltd was formed in 1987. Paints plant as well as a polyurethanes systems house were commissioned at Thane in 1997; another paints plant was commissioned at Mohali near Chandigarh; the Uniqema Innovation Centre opened at Thane in the following year.

Business area of the company

Akzo Nobel India is engaged in the business of manufacturing, trading and selling of paints and related products. The Company also provides research and development services to its holding company and other group companies.

Product and services

For Home Owners 

• Interior
• Exterior
• Woodcare and Metal
• Waterproofing

For Institutions / Builders

• Dulux Professional

For Industrial Users

• Automotive & Specialty Coatings
• Industrial Coatings
• Powder Coatings
• Marine & Protective Coatings

Awards and Recognitions

FY2016-17

• The company has received the Globe Platinum Awards for ‘Pioneering Coatings Technology’,
• The company’s Chairman Nihal Kaviratne CBE was awarded for ‘Business Excellence’ at the World Business Conclave in Hong Kong.

FY2017-18

• The company has received ICSI (Institute of Company Secretaries of India) CSR Excellence Award 2017 in ‘Emerging Companies’ category.

FY2018-19

• The company won three awards at the prestigious Asia Best CSR Award 2018 organized by CMO Asia for Best CSR Practice, Education and Skill Development.

FY2019-20

• The Golden Globe Tiger Award 2019 in Kuala Lumpur for undertaking CSR project in Vocational Skill Training in Painting.
• Honored with Excellence in Supply Chain Planning in an event organised by The Alden Global, the 7th Inflection Conference & Awards in India.

FY2020-21

• Best Innovation Award from World Auto Forum for its Auto Coatings product Auto Express Clear.
• Logistics Technology Project of the Year in 33rd Inflection Web conference and Awards organised by Alden Global Value Advisors.

FY2021-22

• The company was recognized at the CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2021 for ‘Commendation for Significant Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility’ and the 2022 Communitas Award for ‘Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility’ with a special focus on driving diversity and inclusion in local communities.
• 2021 CII-ITC Sustainability Award for significant excellence in CSR Domain. 
• 2022 Communitas Award for its CSR projects undertaken in 2021-22 with special emphasis on Diversity & Inclusion in skilling youth belonging to the vulnerable sections of society.

FY2022-23

• Special Jury Commendation for Skill Development and Livelihood - FICCI Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2021.
• Best Corporate in Small and Emerging Category- ICSI CSR Excellence Award 2022.
• Top 50 India’s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing 2023 - Great Place to Work Institute, India.
• Most Trusted Brands of India 2023 (Dulux) - Marksmen Daily.

FY2023-24

• The company’s decorative paints brand Dulux was recognized with ‘Most Trusted Brands of India’ award for the second straight year, a strong validation of the trust Indian consumers repose on the superior quality Dulux products and services, innovation and customer service.
• The company has been honoured to jointly win the Gold Award for ‘Excellence in Business Responsibility and Sustainable Reporting - Mid Cap (Manufacturing Sector)’ in the third edition of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’s Sustainability Reporting Awards 2022-23. 

FY2024-25

• The company has received Certificate of Achievement at 2nd North-East CSR Award 2024 organised by TISS (Guwahati) for providing Skill training to youth rehabilitated from drug use.
• The company has received 2024 CII CII-ITC Sustainability Award-significant excellence in CSR Domain.
• The company is in final jury round of FICCI CSR Award 2024 (Skill Training Category).