Mazda Adds Environmentally Friendly Paint Technique

Mazda is trying to promote a more environmentally friendly image, both with a slogan — “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom,” they call it — and with paint. That’s right, paint.

Mazda has already introduced a water-based paint application technique to its factory in Hiroshima, Japan, and wants to use the method on all its vehicles in the future. The new Aqua-tech Paint System reduces emissions of volatile organic compounds by 57% over the “Three Layer Wet Paint System.”

Mazda says its method is superior to the water-based paint systems used by Ford and Toyota, producing both lower emissions and also a brighter, more durable finish. The Mazda paint also functions as a primer and can resist chipping and light damage.

More important than the technique, though, is what Mazda has done to increase energy efficiency. The Aqua-tech system relies on more efficient air conditioning and water evaporation systems that dry paint quickly, greatly reducing the CO2 emissions involved in the energy-heavy process.

Wet, Green Paint From Mazda (Autopia)

Comments

I think it is great that so many people are trying to become greener and more eco friendly. I am trying hard to make some changes to my lifestyle in order to help out and lower my carbon footprint. My housemate and I have opted for electronic cards rather than paper ones to save some trees. We spent ages looking on the internet and came across a really cool environmentally friendly eCard site that I really like. I like this site because there is so much choice, and I found an eCard for every friend that I know will make them smile. Changing my habits, even if it is a small change, like opting for an eCard over snail mail, or recycling, I think if we all contributed we could all make a difference.

I hope this new paint is better than the less than satisfactory paint on my 2004 Mazda3.