Paint That Connects Lives
Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
| Publication date | April 26, 2021 (Posted on May 30, 2022) |
|---|---|
| Sector | Human Health |
Company Overview
Kansai Paint Co., Ltd. manufactures and sells various paints. The company is the world's eighth largest paint manufacturer as a whole, and one of the world's top five automotive paint manufacturers. We are developing our architectural paint business worldwide, mainly in emerging countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and hold the largest market share in Africa. We will continue to realize our corporate philosophy: "we leverage superior technology to contribute to our Customer and Society in a sustainable manner, with innovative Products and Services, through a competent workforce, built on the culture of Customer Focus, Integrity and Respect to all our Stakeholders."
Climate Change Impacts
Malaria is one of the most deadliest infectious diseases in Africa impacting the economic activities. It is a serious social problem in Zambia that affects about 33% of the population annually, and there are concerns that it will worsen as temperatures rise due to climate change.
Adaptation Initiatives
We developed the mosquito prevention paint, Kansai Anti-Mosquito Paint, using the habit of mosquitoes to rest on walls and ceilings. The synthetic pyrethroid component in the paint has an insecticidal effect by acting on the nerve system of mosquitoes, and the effect is exerted when mosquitoes stay on the wall surface with the anti-mosquito coating (Fig.1). The anti-mosquito effect lasts for at least 2 years. Since most mammals including humans can decompose and excrete the components, there are no safety issues, and the product can be used in a wide range of places including homes, public facilities, and commercial facilities.
In Malaysia and Indonesia, where dengue fever has become a social problem, sales of the product began in 2014 and 2015, respectively. In 2017, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) launched a demonstration study of this product in Zambia under their "Private Sector Technology Promotion Project for Social and Economic Development in Developing Countries." In September 2018, the product was certified by the Government of Zambia, which has stated their goal to eradicate malaria. In October, we launched our first sales in Africa. Our product has also been certified in Uganda, and began its sales in January 2019. We also plan to launch sales in Kenya, Tanzania, and other countries, and we are expecting to keep expanding on a global basis (Figure 2, 3).
Effects / Expected Benefits
Our mosquito prevention paint, Kansai Anti-Mosquito Paint, is expected to be effective in preventing malaria as a means of effective vector control (extermination of pests that spread infectious diseases.) Contributing to the prevention of infectious diseases, that are increasing due to the effects of climate change, is an adaptive measure in the health and hygiene fields, protecting people's livelihoods, improving the safety and security of society, and contributing to the creation of a sound economy.
