Tokyo - Japanese carmaker Nissan aims to reduce the negative environmental impact of the factory painting process with a new generation of water-based colour coatings. The paints will also be available in Japan as aftermarket products.

According to Nissan, the new paint formula contains half the amount of volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and toluene that are used as paint solvent or adhesive agents. The new technology results in reduced CO2 emissions, cuts energy consumption and significantly reduces waste.

Nissan pioneered water-based paint coatings at its Kyushu plant in 2006 and announced in September 2008 that the new process would be adopted in its plants worldwide.

The paint will be available initially in two shades of silver, one of the most popular colours, with more hues to be introduced by next April. The new paints are part of the Nissan Green Program 2010 mid- term environmental plan. (dpa)