Nissan and Takayama Group launch building materials utilizing recycled paint shop byproducts

(Yokohama, Japan) Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Takayama Kasei Co., Ltd. today announced the launch of “TS-12” and “TS-20,” innovative sound-insulating sheets for building applications made using calcium carbonate recovered from Nissan’s vehicle paint shops. Under this initiative, Nissan will supply the recovered calcium carbonate as a raw material, while Takayama Group will manufacture and market the products. The collaboration advances resource circulation by transforming production waste into high-value building materials, helping to reduce waste and support a circular economy.

During automotive painting, a portion of sprayed paint—known as “paint mist”—does not adhere to vehicle bodies and remains airborne. Traditionally, this mist was carried by the ventilation airflow into a water tank installed beneath the paint booth, where it dissolved in the water and was subsequently treated as industrial waste. To address this challenge, Nissan has implemented a “dry booth system” at its Tochigi and Oppama plants. Instead of water, the system uses filters filled with calcium carbonate to capture paint mist, enabling the material to be recovered in a dry, solid form. This breakthrough allows the byproduct to be reused efficiently as a raw material rather than discarded.

The newly commercialized TS-12 and TS-20 sound-insulating sheets, developed by the Takayama Group (manufactured by Takayama Kasei Co., Ltd. and marketed by Taiho Co., Ltd.), incorporate this recovered calcium carbonate into high-performance building materials. Compared with conventional alternatives, these products are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 30%, delivering both environmental and functional benefits.

Nissan expects this initiative to reduce annual waste by approximately 1,200 tons and lower waste disposal costs by 25 million yen.

Looking ahead, Nissan is exploring additional applications for recovered calcium carbonate, including its potential use in automotive components beginning in 2030.

Through this collaboration, Nissan and the Takayama Group are redefining how manufacturing byproducts are managed—shifting from disposal to reuse. Together, they will continue advancing recycling initiatives, reducing environmental impact, and accelerating progress toward a circular and sustainable society.

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Communications Department
Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Email: Communications@nissan.co.th