Mazda's new Aqua-tech Painting System cuts VOC emissions by 57 percent when compared to its previous painting system. Mazda says that makes Aqua-tech the least polluting water-based paint system in the world, reports the National Post.
Water-based paints naturally have fewer VOCs than solvent-based paints. However, the drying process for water-based paints generally consumes more energy because the water must be evaporated.
Mazda's new process features an efficient evaporation system that removes the water contained in the paint, which reduces CO2 emissions.
The process is used at the Hiroshima, Japan, plant, and will be installed in other plants in the future.
To promote the new practice, and other sustainable initiatives, Mazda's new slogan is "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom," reports Kicking Tires.
