Creation of sustainable products will drive long-term business success
Sustainability of our products
We believe that sustainability is a crucial element for our group’s products to benefit society and drive the long-term success of our businesses. We define sustainable products and technologies based on the principle of product lifecycle in accordance with the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a systematic approach encompassing the three key phases of the product lifecycle: production, use, and service.
In each phase, the properties of our paint products are checked against relevant SDGs and advantages of our products over products available in the market are evaluated. In the production phase, the key evaluation points of products are production efficiency, raw materials, logistics, packaging. In the use phase, the key evaluation points are reduction of energy and material consumptions and emissions of chemical substances, along with the support to customers and consumers by reducing the toxicity of chemical substances. In the service phase, the key evaluation points are useful lives of products, application to green technology, contribution to health and well-being, and end-of-life treatment.
Based on this sustainability principle, we developed a Sustainability Scoreboard used to evaluate new products, and introduced this system to the NPSI system of NIPSEA China and Japan Group. In 2023, 66% of the combined sales from new products in NIPSEA China and Japan Group were from newly developed sustainable products.
We also developed the Green Design Review, and has adopted it in the management system for Research and Development projects at Japan Group and NIPSEA Group. Within the project portfolio of Japan Group and NIPSEA Group, 63% of the R&D expenses are allocated to the creation of products with sustainability advantage in accordance with the principle of the Green Design Review.
Sustainable product data (2023)
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Results of sustainability products
Metalshield Rust Defence
DuluxGroup has introduced a new water-based Metalshield Rust Defence topcoat and a water-based Metalshield Rust Defence Primer to replace the solvent based premium range.
The new water-based formula simplifies the steps to metal protection without compromising on performance against rust and corrosion.
Intergrain Ultradeck Timber Oil
DuluxGoup's Cabot's business division has doubled down its effort on developing category-leading water-based solutions that maintain, transform and protect timber. Intergrain Ultradeck Timber Oil was relaunched in 2023 with best-in-class durability that lasts 3 times longer than traditional oil-based coatings. This focus is generating an improvement in water-based technology sales, and we're effectively transitioning the market to solutions that produce lower lifecycle GHG emissions than traditional oil based decking oils.
EVEREST®
EVEREST® is a complete line of ultra-premium, low-odor, Zero-VOC, self-priming, 100% acrylic paints ideal for use on high-end residential and commercial projects. They apply easily and feature exceptional hide, superior scrub resistance, washability and adhesion. EVEREST is the market-leading zero-VOC product made without the use of chemicals of concern, such as ethylene glycol and APEO surfactants. Its favorable EHS profile makes it ideal for use in consumers’ homes. We recently completed a generational product improvement project targeting enhancement in washability, scuff resistance, and burnish resistance, allowing for longer performance life.
Dulux envirO₂™
Dulux envirO2™ is a premium low odour, low VOC acrylic paint that delivers superior performance.
In 2022, the Dulux business achieved 50% recycled content in packaging for the envirO2™ range.
Dulux envirO2™ is also the only major Australian paint brand with a Global GreenTag™ certification.
Decorative films
Nippon Paint Group is actively developing products for photovoltaic generation systems and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) to contribute to a sustainable, low-carbon society. Toyota Motor Corporation and Nippon Paint Automotive Coatings have jointly developed decorative films for photovoltaic modules, offering greater flexibility in design and color.
High adhesion primer
Nippon Paint Surf Chemicals (NPSU) has developed a high-adhesion primer, SURFCOAT NR-Z, specifically designed for pouch-type lithium-ion battery (LIB) packaging. This new product ensures excellent adhesion even after prolonged immersion in electrolytes.
Low Temperature, Fast Curing “ACECRON 130”
Nippon Paint China’s ACECRON series is an innovative low-temperature curing electrocoat platform designed to enhance ESG performance in the automotive industry. This product caters to the market demand for energyefficient and eco-friendly coatings, particularly suitable for components requiring low temperature drying and complex assemblies. Today, “ACECRON 130” has been recognized for its ability to cure at 130°C without lead or tin, offering a significant reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions compared to traditional curing processes. The product demonstrates excellent corrosion resistance and coating stability, maintaining high performance at lower temperatures.
Low-carbon binder
Cement is a widely used raw material in substrate products, but it releases a large amount of carbon dioxide during production. In order to reduce carbon emissions, we are developing a low-carbon binder to replace cement. In 2024, we used self-developed low-carbon binder to replace 40% -50% of cement in putties, and the performance after replacement is close to the original formulations, while carbon emissions can be reduced by more than 30%. We are currently in double test of the formulations and hope to launch new putty products with lower carbon emissions by 2025.
Low temperature Fast Cure General primer for appliance, “NPEP FLEKS 760N”
Launched as "NPEP FLEKS 760N" in Q2 2024, this low-temperature fast-curing primer reduces drying oven temperatures, saving up to 28% energy and lowering CO2 emissions. It is compatible with Cr-free pretreatment substrates and offers high adhesion, corrosion resistance, and excellent workability, ensuring stability during heat storage. For the integrated product series of primers for home appliances, it will also contribute to improving paint production efficiency. Recognized with the Rong Ge-Technology Innovation Award in May 2024, it supports home appliance companies in reducing costs and environmental impact while improving productivity.
Low temperature curing PD (HAA)
With powder coating, CO2 emissions from the baking process are greater than from the paint manufacturing process, so lowering the baking temperature makes a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions.
HAA curing powder paints have superior low-temperature curing properties compared to the BI curing paint that is widely used in Japan, and by applying HAA products, the baking temperature can be lowered from 180℃ to 160℃, reducing CO2 emissions from the baking process by 11.3%.
In addition, our HAA products have excellent paint workability with electrostatic charge improvement technology, and are accelerating their replacement by manufacturers of steel furniture, etc.
