As the architectural coatings market contracts amid a prolonged slump in housing starts, heat-shielding coatings that curb temperature rises are attracting attention as a growth area. Paint manufacturers in the Chubu region are developing products aimed at providing insulation in winter and improving construction efficiency.
Housing starts have declined as a result of population decline and soaring construction material costs, and shipments of architectural coatings have fallen by approximately 30% over the past 10 years. As the overall market contracts, heat-shielding coatings are attracting attention as a new growth area.
Heat-shielding coatings are expected to help curb rises in indoor temperatures during the summer, becoming a factor driving demand growth. As heat becomes more severe, they are seen as having the potential to improve comfort in buildings and reduce energy consumption.
Paint manufacturers in the Chubu region are accelerating the development of products with heat-shielding functions and introducing new products that focus on insulation in winter and construction efficiency. The move is aimed at strengthening competitiveness amid a scramble for a limited number of growth areas.