Chinachem Group Partners With NAMI To Advance Green Construction With 'Peelable Nano Protective Coating'

Sharing a dedication to promoting the advancement of green building technology, Chinachem Group and local research and development centre, Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI) have jointly developed the innovative Peelable Nano Protective Coating, a nano-coating that enhances the protection of interior and exterior surfaces of windows during building construction. This advanced and patented technology can improve cost and environmental effectiveness.

“We are strongly committed to driving green real estate technology advancements through collaboration with scientific research institutions," noted Donald Choi, Executive Director and CEO of Chinachem Group. "Having successfully adopted Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) for private residential projects, we have now partnered with NAMI to develop this Peelable Nano Protective Coating technology. This innovation aligns with green building principles, aiming at reducing material waste, enhancing construction quality, and increasing apartment buyers' satisfaction, in line with our ‘Triple Bottom Line’ approach which prioritises People, Prosperity and Planet (3Ps) across our business operations.”

“We plan to implement this patented coating in our upcoming development projects in Tai Po Kau and Tung Chung. This groundbreaking initiative will set a new standard for developers and promise significant benefits for the sustainable growth of Hong Kong's construction industry,” Mr Choi added.

NAMI is a company with extensive experience in developing coating materials for construction. A patent has already been granted for this innovative, jointly-developed technology. One of its key advantages is the ability to adjust the degree of protection according to the needs of various construction conditions. The coating's thickness exceeds that of traditional protective materials by more than three times, providing excellent protection and reducing the occurrence of cracked or damaged glass windows during property handover and inspection, thus minimising the need for glass replacement. Furthermore, the nano coating is characterised by its UV and water-resistant properties, ensuring that even after prolonged exposure to sunlight or rains, there is no residue formed on the glass surface or unwanted early wearing-off of coating, thereby streamlining the cleaning process and saving time.

The nano coating not only enhances cost-effectiveness but also prioritises environmental efficiency by reducing construction waste. Its single-layer thickness provides sufficient protective strength to eliminate the need for additional foam board wrapping. Additionally, the coating is easily removable and reusable, minimising construction waste. The environmentally-friendly formula is solvent-free, preventing the release of harmful substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The coating also helps conserve energy by allowing natural light to pass through the glass, eliminating the need for artificial lighting during indoor construction and addressing the issue of light blocking caused by excessive use of protective coating materials. Furthermore, apart from glass windows, the nano-coating can also be applied to a variety of building materials, including metal surfaces and treated wooden furniture.

Glasses are prone to damage, leading to a loss rate of as high as 30%. Contractors sometimes resort to additional wrapping with foam boards, which have low light transmittance, requiring additional indoor lighting during the construction stage. Moreover, traditional adhesive protective coatings may adhere to the glass firmly, requiring extensive cleaning efforts. The development of nano-coatings can address this problem of the industry.

"This Peelable Nano Protective Coating improves the protection of building materials and helps reducing construction waste and carbon emissions," explained Dr. Ivan Sham, Chief Commercial Officer of NAMI. "This innovative technology demonstrates successful collaboration between research institute and the industry, offering new and cost-effective solutions to the construction sector while promoting sustainable development in Hong Kong."