Nissan’s Water-based Eco-Paint goes Aftermarket

New paint formula contains half the volatile organic compounds -

TOKYO .--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced today it will release its environment-friendly, water-based paints for aftermarket application, under the “PITWORK” brand of genuine aftermarket products by Dec. 15 in Japan. The paint contains half the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC*) compared with conventional paints in the marketplace.

The new paint formula also emits significantly less odors to the surrounding environment. Initially, the paint will be available in limited range of two shades of silver, one of the most popular colors, with more colors to be introduced by next April.

Nissan has been continuously improving its paint technologies. It first implemented a water-based paint coating system at its Kyushu Plant in 2006. This was followed by an industry-first breakthrough paint technology that was announced in September 2008. The new technology results in reduced CO2 emissions, cuts energy consumption and reduces waste solvents, by half.

Under the Nissan Green Program 2010 mid-term environmental plan, Nissan aims to introduce new technologies, products, processes and services that will lead to reductions in CO2 emissions, cleaner vehicle emissions, and increased recycling of resources.

*VOC by-products include formaldehyde and toluene that are used as paint solvent or adhesive agents.