At Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, Nippon Paint plays a multifaceted role in shaping the visitor experience, underscoring a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration. From providing advanced protective coatings for the stunning Singapore Pavilion to enabling the site’s autonomous transport system with smart paint technology, our contributions are helping to bring the future to life.
A Symbol of Sustainable Collaboration
The Singapore Pavilion, also known as the “Dream Sphere,” stands as a visual centrepiece of the Expo. Soaring 17 metres high, the striking structure features over 17,000 ema-inspired aluminium discs that shimmer in deep red by day and glow softly by night. These discs are coated in Nippon Paint’s solar-reflective and weather-resistant finishes, engineered to withstand the demanding environmental conditions of the six-month event.
Beneath the beauty of the pavilion lies a story of sustainable design and international teamwork. The facade’s aluminium discs are made of 70% post-consumer recycled content, helping to reduce CO2 emissions by 70 tonnes—equivalent to the carbon absorbed by 2,500 trees annually. This synergy was the result of a seamless cross-border collaboration between three regional Nippon Paint teams, each playing a vital role. Nippon Paint Singapore Project Team worked to align the architectural vision of DP Architects with the craftsmanship of Kingsmen Exhibits. Nippon Paint Malaysia Automotive Refinish Team delivered precise colour-matching and laboratory-grade refinements for a flawless finish. The Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. (Japan) Marketing & R&D Team provided advanced, sustainable coatings.
Painting the Road to a Mobile Future
Beyond the pavilion, Nippon Paint is also paving the way for the future of mobility at the Expo. Visitors will travel across the site on autonomous electric buses, which Nippon Paint’s innovative Target Line Paint guides safely and precisely. The team has applied this advanced, sensor-detectable paint along three major autonomous routes, including technically challenging sections such as highways, tunnels, and roads beneath the event’s iconic Great Roof Ring.
Developed by Nippon Paint Industrial Coatings (NPIU), Target Line Paint is a specialised paint detected by the LiDAR sensors installed in autonomous vehicles. This technology enables buses to maintain navigational accuracy even in complex terrain and areas with poor Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, where traditional guidance systems often falter. Simply applying the paint to existing roads creates essential, cost-effective infrastructure for autonomous driving. The paint’s colour can also be customised to blend with the road surface, preventing confusion with standard road markings while ensuring the safety and visual harmony of the surroundings.
Looking Ahead
Nippon Paint’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka goes beyond merely displaying our products. It represents our commitment to a smarter, greener future. Through sustainable innovation, regional collaboration, and next-generation technologies, we are proud to contribute to an event that unites the world in envisioning the future.
