KCC (CEO Chung Mong-jin) is drawing industry attention with the launch of ‘Sporoad Cool,’ a heat-shielding paint that can be applied to walkways.
‘Sporoad Cool’ is an MMA (methyl methacrylate) resin paint for walkways and bicycle paths, distinguished by its heat-shielding function. By applying a special pigment that reflects solar heat, it prevents temperature rises in asphalt and concrete, thereby mitigating the road heat island effect and reducing the energy consumed for cooling. As a result, during this summer of record-breaking heat waves, ‘Sporoad Cool’ significantly helped ease the urban heat island effect and improve pedestrian comfort.
In fact, testing by the Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL) showed a near-infrared reflectance of 77.8%, considerably higher than the 10% to 30% typical of ordinary MMA paints. In addition, when the company created its own test specimens and exposed them outdoors, the surface temperature was measured at about 15℃ lower than that of an uncoated ordinary asphalt surface.
Recently, heat-shielding paints have been drawing attention as products capable of responding to climate change such as heat waves and global warming. In particular, as they are recognized as one of the solutions for lowering road surface temperatures in summer, local governments are making efforts to reduce the urban heat island effect—such as including heat-shielding functions in construction specifications—leading to growing product demand and an expanding market.
A KCC official said, “We launched Sporoad Cool to help mitigate the heat island effect and contribute to energy savings,” adding, “In line with the rising demand for heat-shielding paints, KCC will actively develop products that benefit the public environment—such as Sporoad Cool heat-shielding paint for walkways, Spotan Sangdo (Energy) heat-shielding paint for exteriors, and Supuro Chayeol Sangdo water-based heat-shielding paint—and fulfill its responsibility and role as a leading domestic paint company.” 02-3480-5000