45 Samhwa Paint distribution dealerships designated Green Stores by the Ministry of Environment

Expanding beyond water-based paints into biomass and recycled waste-plastic products

In recognition of their contribution to boosting sales of eco-friendly products, 45 distribution dealerships of Samhwa Paint Industrial Co., Ltd. have become the first in the paint industry to be designated Green Stores under the program run by the Ministry of Environment, and a ceremony marking the designation was held on February 21.

The ‘Paint Industry’s First Green Store Designation Ceremony,’ held that day at World Trading, a Samhwa Paint dealership located in Seo-gu, Incheon, was attended by key officials including Kang Seong-jin, head of Samhwa Paint’s Distribution Business Division; Kim Gi-deuk, CEO of Samhwa Paint’s World Trading; Jang Gi-bok, Director General for Green Transition Policy at the Ministry of Environment; and Lee Dong-wook, head of the Eco-Friendly Living Department at the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute.

The ‘Green Store’ is a program under which the Ministry of Environment designates stores that encourage eco-friendly consumption and living and contribute to boosting sales of green products. Green products here refers to products that minimize the input of energy and resources and the generation of greenhouse gases and pollutants.

Until now, Green Stores have mainly been designated among department stores, large discount stores, and convenience stores. Within the paint industry, these 45 Samhwa Paint distribution dealerships are the first case. The 45 Samhwa Paint distribution dealerships designated as Green Stores will receive support from the Ministry of Environment over the next three years, including nameplates, incentives, and promotion.

To build a sustainable environment, Samhwa Paint has developed eco-friendly water-based paints such as its ‘i-Lux’ and ‘i-Think’ series, as well as biomass and recycled waste-plastic paints. A Samhwa Paint official said, “This Green Store designation is the result of recognition for the eco-friendly business that Samhwa Paint has focused on,” adding, “We plan to work so that all of Samhwa Paint’s distribution dealerships can be designated as Green Stores.”

▲ A green product certification display posted at Samhwa Paint’s World Trading