NOROO Holdings affiliate 'The KIBAN' and K...

Contributing to the sustainable development of developing countries through the export of domestic seedsNOROO Holdings Co., Ltd. announced on the 21st that 'The KIBAN', an agricultural life affiliate, was ed as an IBS (Inclusive Business Program) partner company of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Laos and provided technical training on seedling raising and cultivation methods.This partnership was conducted for the purpose of developing local rural areas, reducing poverty, increasing agricultural production, creating jobs for the underprivileged, and strengthening agricultural capacity. Korea International Cooperation Agency Director Kim Myeong-jin and Deputy Director Kim Na-young, who visited the KIC production base according to the training schedule, checked the performance of the seed business and the progress of dissemination of production technology, and expressed expectations for the purpose and direction of both companies.An official from The KIBAN said, "The KIBAN is continuously expanding support for Korean-style agricultural development in line with the agricultural development strategy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos.

22.3.2023

NOROO Holdings launches ‘ESG Committee’ for sustai...

NOROO Holdings announced that it launched the 'ESG Committee' to practice sustainable management and expand the basis for ESG management.NOROO Holdings, the management control tower of NOROO Group, established a dedicated department in 2016 to promote more systematic ESG management and enacted the Code of Ethics and Corporate Governance Charter. In addition, it published a sustainability report and a corporate governance report to present the group's ESG management direction.The ESG Committee was also newly established for the purpose of strengthening ESG management at the group level. This is to practice sustainable management activities in the areas of environment, society, and governance for sustainable growth centered on the committee, and to expand the participation of the board of directors in ESG management activities. The committee was approved by the board of directors on March 6, and is preparing to launch the ESG Promotion Committee of Noroo Paint co. ltd., the main affiliate.Noroo Holdings is recognized for its ESG management performance, such as obtaining an A grade for two consecutive years in the regular evaluation of the Korea ESG Evaluation Institute.An official from NOROO Holdings said, "We will promote sustainable management activities for customers and the environment through the ESG Committee."

22.3.2023

‘NOROO Paint X Saint Nine’ launches ESG Edition ‘G...

- ‘Eco-friendly ESG package’ using eco-friendly water-based paint and natural bambooNoroo Paint announced that it has launched an ESG edition ‘golf ball package’ with Nexen Saint Nine, a brand specializing in golf equipment.The ‘ESG golf ball package’ consists of 8 golf balls with eco-friendly water-based paint and 6 golf tees made of natural bamboo. In addition, the package box used eco-friendly materials and printing methods.Targeting MZ golfers, who have recently become the main players in golf consumption, the 'Pop Art' design, which characterizes paint cans and golf balls, is composed of balls of various colors such as white, fluorescent, light green, and yellow, which further enhances usability and design. increased attractiveness.This project is one of the ideas that came out while the two companies set up an “ESG management policy,” which is increasingly important, and promoted sustainable management while contemplating “how to communicate ESG management effectively with customers.”In line with this purpose, the product was produced to jointly find the ‘intersection of sustainable ESG management philosophies pursued by both companies’ and to communicate this with consumers in a friendly manner along with their respective brand values and identities.The ESG golf ball set is sold in limited quantities at Noroo Paint's online shopping mall 'Color Mate Mall'.

20.2.2023

NOROO Holdings affiliate ‘The KIBAN’, a specialize...

NOROO Holdings announced on 11th November 2022 that it has set out to build a local agricultural production base in Laos with its affiliated agricultural affiliate ‘The KIBAN’.An official said, "Laos, an agricultural country in Southeast Asia, is highly dependent on seed imports and has no seed distribution system, so the agricultural market is very poor in terms of the distribution of defective seeds."“With this background, Korea and Laos started supporting local agriculture through the establishment of a partnership between two countries, The KIBAN was ed as an ‘Inclusive Business (IBS) partner company’ of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)’s national project last year, and began to enter the local market in earnest.IBS is a special program which contributes to the sustainable development of developing countries by linking corporate social contribution activities and strategies related to shared value creation with Official Development Assistance (ODA).”He also added, “The KIBAN set out to build an agricultural production base with the vision of serving as a supplier of high-quality seeds, which is the basis for modernizing agriculture in Laos. At the current production base, we have achieved positive results by cultivating some items, and we are aiming for completion in the first half of next year.”Aligning with the agricultural development strategy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos, The KIBAN is expanding support and establishing a Korean-style agricultural development vision, such as △rural development △poverty reduction △agricultural production increase △job creation for the underprivileged class △strengthening of agricultural capacity.An official from Noroo Holdings said, "We expect to make a great contribution to the productivity increase of Laos' agriculture through the joint project with KOICA.”He also added “We will do our best to make successful story through the ‘K-Seed’ from Noroo Group of Laos’ agricultural industry,”

11.11.2022

NOROO Holdings establishes co-operative relationsh...

NOROO Holdings announced that it has established a strategic co-operative relationship with ‘Oscar Agra Techno’ (OAT), a Japanese agricultural company, through KIBAN Tech, an affiliate specializing in agriculture.OAT is an agricultural technology company that develops and sells fertilizers and crop protection agents as an affiliate that was spun off in 2010 from Otsuka Chemical, one of Japan's leading chemical companiesIn particular, as an affiliate of the Otsuka Group which developed ‘Pocari Sweat’ and ‘Oronamin C’, which are well-known in Korea, the parent company’s core technology, ion technology, is applied to agriculture to produce crop protection agents on its own, raising the activity of ions in the fertilizer sector. owns a number ofThrough the establishment of this cooperative relationship, both companies have granted KIBAN Tech the exclusive domestic sales right for the OAT product line, and KIBAN also entrusted OAT with the priority of sales contracts when it enters the Japanese market. In the long term, they also promised cooperation to develop overseas markets such as Southeast Asia.An official from Noroo Holdings said, “The partnership between KIBAN Tech and OAT in Japan has a great synergy effect because there is no overlapping business. We want to spread the excellence of 'K-agricultural technology' to the market.”Meanwhile, KIBAN Tech, established in 2014, is researching and developing agriculture-related products based on seed surface coating technology and smart farm technology, and distributing various functional agricultural materials such as shading agent for greenhouses and seed coating for high temperature control.

9.11.2022

‘NOROO Holdings’ publishes sustainability report c...

NOROO Holdings, the holding company of famous NOROO Paint company, announced on the 7th Nov. 2022 that it has published the first sustainability report containing information on ESG management activities at the group level.This report, which introduced the group companies along with the sustainable growth value system and related organizations, was published to transparently provide and communicate with stakeholders the vision and performance of Noroo Holdings, the holding company of the Noroo Group, for sustainable growth and value creation.The core areas of NOROO Holdings' sustainability report consist of △Safe environment △Responsible management △Sustainable technological innovation △Human resource management △Customer value first and △Core values of communication and co-operation.Since its establishment in 1945, NOROO Group, one of the leaders in Korea's industrialization and representative of the real chemical industry for 77 years, recently announced ESG management, an essential condition for corporate sustainability, and is conducting various ESG activities.An official from NOROO Holdings said, “In 2021, NOROO Paint, the main affiliate of NOROO Holdings, obtained an overall grade of A in the announcement of the ESG management evaluation grade for listed companies by the Korea ESG Standards Institute (KCSG). ESG management activities were effective.”“The Noroo Group with a 77-year tradition has developed together with the Republic of Korea as one of the key companies in Korea’s industrialization,” he said. We will establish ourselves,” he added.

7.11.2022

‘NOROO Bio Convergence Research Institute’ partici...

[NOROO Bio Convergence Research Institute, Photo courtesy of NOROO holdings co. ltd.]'NOROO Bio-Convergence Research Institute ' under NOROO Holdings Co., Ltd. participated in a national project supported by ‘Korea Marine Fisheries Science and Technology Agency’.In order to carry out the ``new project to develop technology for domestic production of marine bio-industrial materials,'' the ``seaweed biorefinery research group,'' which is an industry-academia collaborative discussion group, was established with major domestic universities (7 universities in total) including POSTECH(Pohang University of Science & Technology) and Seoul National University.The theme is "Seaweed-based Integrated Bioprocess Development for Environmentally Friendly Plastic Materials"Extraction. The ultimate goal is to apply copper substances to environmentally friendly plastics.The core substance is called '3HP' (3-Hydroxypropionic acid), which is unfamiliar to the general public and is extracted through bioprocesses from natural materials such as algae, microorganisms, and corn. 3HP is so important that it was ed as one of the ``Future Materials Top 12'' ed by the US Department of Energy (DOE). ). It can be applied to a wide range of fields, such as naturally degradable plastics and high-absorbency resins for sanitary products.An official from the Marine Fisheries Science and Technology Agency, which supports the project, said, "The development of eco-friendly biomaterials is an essential issue for future generations. ', he said.In addition, an official of POSTECH(Pohang University of Science & Technology), who is in charge of the research part, said, "We are pleased to develop materials that are friendly to the future environment in earnest with NOROO Bio Convergence Research Institute’." Bio-based 3HP is extracted from natural materials and is sustainable. It is possible, and we believe that we can improve the problems caused by existing petrochemicals and contribute to the solution of white pollution and global warming, which have recently become social problems."‘NOROO Bio Convergence Research Institute’ currently possesses 3HP production capacity and acid technology and plans to complete the construction of 'Demo Scale' facilities by the end of this year for optimized automation processes.

19.10.2022

“NOROO Paint company’s ESG/Digital Management... I...

Started as the first ‘Ink manufacturer’ in Korea in 1945.Following ‘eco-friendly philosophy’ from the beginning of the establishment.Company-wide response to the goal of “de-petroleumization”.Digital communication with customers on ‘YouTube’ channel.Focus on realization of corporate social value.Leading the industry with differentiated ESG strategy.“ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) management and digital acceleration that NOROO Paint focuses on are part of the challenges that NOROO has continued for 77 years.”Noroo Paint co. ltd, CEO Cho Sung-guk (picture) said in an interview with the Korea Economic Daily on the 30th Jan 2022, “Noro Paint, the company, which started in a small wooden building in Hoehyeon-dong, Seoul in 1945, has been thinking about eco-friendliness since boiling varnish (glossy) in a pot.” .He continued, "We will maintain the identity of Korea's leading paint company while exhibiting unique flexibility to meet the needs of the times and customers."The company is concentrating on management efficiency in response to the recent high oil price, said that it would ultimately achieve de-petrolization.Although it is not easy to solve in the short term; however, it is a goal that must be achieved in the med-long term through technological innovation and system improvement.Accordingly, tasks such as the development of new products that establish ESG management policies and directions are ed and carried out.‘The COVID-19 pandemic’ has accelerated the digital transformation of the company.“The digital familiarity of customers, including dealership owners, is a problem directly related to sales competitiveness,” said CEO Cho, explaining the background for rushing digital transformation. As an example of digital transformation, the companies’ YouTube channel, 'Paint It Suda’ (Meaning in English ‘Here’s the Paint)' was mentioned. In the second year of its establishment, it achieved 10,000 subscribers and about 1.4 million cumulative views, emphasizing that it is evaluated as a successful example of a company's YouTube channel operation.CEO Cho joined the company in 1988 and was appointed as CEO in 2019.He cited the help of employees as the ‘biggest driving force’ for Noroo Paint to grow and develop as it is now.CEO Cho said “as a CEO, I made the most effort to come up with a solution to the difficulties of the executives and employees”.The following is a Q&A session with CEO Cho.▷ What is your strategy to cope with the recent high oil price era?“Rising oil prices are creating a difficult business environment for all domestic companies. In particular, NOROO Paint's main customers such as architecture and automobiles are being directly affected by the sharp rise in raw material prices.NOROO Paint is trying to overcome this through efficient management.We thoroughly reviewed the feasibility of internal cost execution and managed inefficient customers through ion and concentration.In addition, by converting catalogs and booklets, which were previously made as papers, into digital contents, new production and reissue costs were reduced.Various seminars were digitalized and non-face-to-face meeting, while communication was strengthened, and efficiency increased.”▷ Curious as to ‘why a paint companies are putting so much effort into ESG management’?“The management philosophy that has been handed down since the beginning of the establishment is melted.At that time, there was no technology and equipment for ink in Korea, and production equipment was also insufficient. For this reason, it was produced while cutting varnish with a pot.During the boiling process, there was a bad smell, which caused a backlash from the residents. Since then, the company has always been thinking about eco-friendliness as important factor.As time passed and technology developed, it was reflected in the value of social contribution. NOROO group management is also taking the lead, judging that the direction of 'ESG management', which has been established as a new global standard, is consistent with the group's founding spirit.The core of ESG so called the ultimate goal, is ‘reducing carbon emissions’.The company is responding in the mid- to long-term by operating a research center and task force team at the entire group level to ultimately achieve de-petroleumization.”▷ What is NOROO Paint's digital transformation strategy?“The digital transformation triggered by COVID-19 is now one of the global trends. It is bringing about major changes in society and culture and also economy as well.NOROO Paint has been well received by presenting customized content such as self-painting and color trends through the YouTube channel, named ‘Paint It Suda’(in English meaning “Here’s the paint”)Within two years of opening the channel, it has achieved 1.4 million cumulative views and 10,000 subscribers. Also ‘NOROO Power Up’, the first communication app.(application) between dealers and the company was introduced as the first in the industry, is becoming a new communication channel too.It is a service that provides digital product information and new policies.Unlike in the past, which required several types of catalogs and booklets, all you need is a tablet PC or a smart phone. Sales have become more convenient as we can suggest products, color trends, and construction examples which customers want anytime, anywhere.”▷ How NOROO Paint has been leading the Korean paint industry fornearly 77 years?“There are many titles of “first” in Noroo Paint. This is outcome from so many 'repeat challenges'.Immediately after national liberation in 1945, the technology was recognized enough to transfer ink manufacturing technology from Japan to the Korea for the first time.After the armistice agreement was signed in 1953, NOROO paint company benchmarked the paint industry in developed countries and actually produced korea’s first paint.In 1976, we established the industry's first technology research center.In 1993, NOROO Paint was used for Korea's first observational rocket “science Number 1”The following year, the Forbidden City renovation project in Beijing, China, which is said to be the pride of China, defeated advanced paint countries such as the United States, Germany, and Japan to win a contract.In 2020, we entered into a strategic alliance with Akzo Nobel, the world's No. 1 paint company, for the first time, and the world's best paint technology was recognized.NOROO Paint will strive to develop new challenges and technologies to lead the Korean paint industry. Our current focus on ESG management and digital acceleration is part of new challenges.”▷ What are your business goals for the future?“We plan to grow into an ESG company through technological development to create a sustainable global environment, social contribution which cares the weak around us, and activities that employees can relate to.With the ESG Management Promotion Office and the Sustainability Report, NOROO Paint has already systematized ESG management.In the ESG evaluation of listed companies last year, it received an overall grade of A and was recognized for its ESG management performance so far.The company will move forward as a leading company in the paint industry through more differentiated ESG activities. Increasing the proportion of eco-friendly paints for construction and social contribution activities are ways to realize social values of the company for the global environment and the socially underprivileged.”Jin-won Kim, Journalist & Reporterjin1@hankyung.com

20.3.2022

NSDS(NOROO Seoul Design Studio), Unveils 6th Versi...

- Accumulated research and analysis results of NSDS (Noroo Seoul Design Studio), a color research institute of NOROO Group- Publication of the 6th COVER ALL, under the theme of ‘better option’NOROO Group's color research institute, NSDS (NOROO Seoul Design Studio), publishes the color trend book 'COVER ALL (COVER ALL Vol. 6)'.‘COVER ALL’, which is published every year starting with ‘humanities’ from 2016, attempts a multi-layered approach in design, color, and material utilization and part of big changes in our lives.In addition, it contributed to creating a more affluent lifestyle by presenting creative inspiration and ideas along with the realization of social sharing values through color.In this sixth coverall, under the theme of 'better option', we must choose the most suitable for our life and environment from among many options directly related to our lives, rather than the best. It is said to be the best method possible.In addition, in order to enhance the completeness of content and form, writers Myung-wook Huh and ‘Artnom’, who are leading the response to K-culture through global activities, Michelin 2-star owner-chef Jeong-sik Lim, interior designer Tae-oh Yang, and broadcaster Se-ho Jo were together.This issue, published as a limited edition of 30 art books and 100 hardcover design books with real works of lacquer artist Heo Myung-wook, is published in Korea ‘10 CORSO COMO’ Cheongdam Branch, Samsung Leeum Museum of Art, Print Bakery Heo Myeong-wook Showroom (Hannam-dong), Galleria. It will be on sale from January 27th.In addition, for overseas readers, it will be sold simultaneously at Tsutaya Bookstore in Tokyo (Ginza 6, Daikanyama) and ARMANI LIBRO in Milan, Italy.The coverall + art book containing the work of artist Myung-wook Huh can be viewed directly at his the café in Hannam-dong area from February 7th.NSDS (Noroo Seoul Design Studio) leader, Han Kyung-won said, "We have been collaborating with creators around the world to give each edition a unique value so that the book itself can have a collection value." The differentiated color trend book was able to be completed with the participation of creators who have it.”

27.1.2022

‘NOROO Holdings’ and its main affiliate ‘NOROO Pai...

[Photo courtesy by NOROO Holdings co. ltd, Labor-management joint declaration ceremony for ESG management & Overcoming COVID-19]Noroo Holdings co. ltd, the holding company of the Noroo Group, and Noroo Paint co. ltd.are listed companies of the Korea Corporate Governance Service (KCGS).It was announced on the 4th NOV. 2021 that they received an overall grade of “A” in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) evaluation.This is the highest rating in paint & Coatings industry.By category, both NOROO Holdings and NOROO Paint received A+ grades in the social sector. The environmental sector was graded A, and the governance sector was graded B+.NOROO Group officially announced the promotion of 'global ESG management' at the founding ceremony on the 1st. The NOROO Group established an ESG department this year and has been conducting corporate governance charter establishment, sustainability report preparation, ESG training and labor-management joint declaration.In addition, it is actively engaged in research and development of future eco-friendly materials through the ‘Bio-Convergence Research Center’.An official from NOROO Group said, “As a color company representing Korea, we will fulfill our social responsibilities based on ESG management as well.Oh-eun Kwon, Correspondent Reporter , Chosun Bizoheun@chosunbiz.com

14.11.2021

Chairman of NOROO Group, participated in 『National ...

NOROO Group Chairman, Han Young-jae, participated in the “National Children's Traffic Safety Relay Challenge” to prevent traffic accidents and to create a safe traffic environment.The event, which started in December last year by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security and the Ministry of Education, aims to form a public consensus on the prevention of traffic accidents in children's protection zones. Participants share the slogan for establishing a children's traffic safety culture and appoint the next runner.Chairman Han Young-jae participated in the campaign under the nomination of Woori Bank Chairman Kwon Kwang-seok, and posted related photos and messages on SNS.The next participants ed by Chairman Han are President Kim Young-jin of Chairman of Sebang Travel and former president of Korea Travel Industry Association (KATA), CEO Chang-hee Oh from Handok co. ltd, and Professor Lee Jiman from Yonsei University School of Business.Separately, Noroo Group has conducted the “Children's Traffic Safety Campaign” every year as part of its social contribution activities. Last year, with the Korea Transportation Safety Authority and the Korean Red Cross, the “Wall-Painting Campaign to rethink Children's Traffic Safety Awareness” received positive reviews from the local community.'Children's Traffic Safety Mural Campaign' hosted by Noroo Paint Co., Ltd. and Korean Red Cross, Shinnam Elementary School, photo courtesy of Noroo Holdings Co., Ltd.In addition, Noroo Paint Co., Ltd., a flagship subsidiary, is in discussions with the Korea Transportation Safety Authority to establish a “Child Safe Zone” in child protection area and crosswalks by using eco-friendly paints with enhanced visibility. Noroo Group plans to continue to promote activities that are practically helpful for the safety of children's traffic.Chairman Han said, “NOROO Group has been carrying out social contribution activities every year for the safety of our children. However, even more important than this, he emphasized, “I believe it is “settlement of a traffic culture which puts SAFETY FIRST,” and added that “NOROO will support activities which practically conducive to the establishment of a proper transportation culture and traffic safety for children.”

5.4.2021

Chairman of NOROO Group, received ‘2020 Mecenat Gr...

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1.12.2020

‘NOROO Bio Convergence Research Institute’ succeed...

[NOROO Bio Convergence Research Institute, photo courtesy by NOROO Holdings Co., Ltd.]The ‘NOROO Bio Convergence Research Institute’ under Noroo Holdings co. ltd, well known as the holding company of Noroo Paint co. ltd., has been researching to improve the “quality of life” for consumers.As a result of years of research in the development of sustainable future biomaterials. They have succeeded in developing technology for commercialization of eco-friendly biomaterials that can also improve environmental problems.This material is called ‘3HP’ (3-Hydroxypropionic acid), which is used in natural materials such as corn and palm oil.It is a material that is produced through bio process and also somewhat is unfamiliar to the general public.3HP is called 'Platform Chemical' because it can be applied and developed in various forms.Typically, sanitary napkins, infants, and adult basal highly absorbent resins (SAP), biodegradable plastics, and paints.It can be applied to a wide range of solvents.It was ed as the third most important material among the ‘Top 12 future biomaterials’ by the US Department of Energy (DOE) in 2004, and is still highly appreciated as an important platform. Bio-based 3HP can be produced from natural materials, making it ‘sustainable’ and improving problems arising from existing chemicals.First, it is a bio-material which could minimize the risk of human contact and skin exposure.Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, plastic-based personal protective equipment such as medical masks, gloves, and visors has rapidly increased. Simultaneously, many human side effects have also been reported.3HP can alleviate allergic reactions. Therefore, with this material, it is expected to expand the area of eco-friendly medical plastics from simple protective equipment to specialized equipment.In addition, natural biodegradation is possible, so it can produce so-called “rotting plastic” (Bioplastic).With the recent expansion of the ‘untact’ industry. Delivery volumes are being increased rapidly.Accordingly, ‘white pollution', which refers to environmental pollution caused by disposable containers such as plastic, vinyl, and styrofoam, is becoming a reality (*recyclable waste increased by 16% year-on-year, Ministry of Environment), and the current plastic recycling rate is limited to *10% level (*Ministry of Environment).If we could produce “biodegradable bioplastics” with 3HP, we may expect similar effect of improving environmental pollution.Regarding the recent issue of “*sanitary napkin carcinogens” (* 97% carcinogenic substances in circulation sanitary napkins from 2014 to 2017, Member of congress, Lee Yong-ho's office), as a major material in sanitary napkins.It is possible to replace the 'super absorbent resin' (a water absorbing material that absorbs up to 1,000 g of water per gram) with a bio-based 3HP material. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the side effects of the human body on the controversial chemical substances, and you can also lower the specific gravity of toxic substances.The market value is expected to reach tens of trillion won depending on the scope of application.For instance, ‘Super absorbent polymer’(SAP), which can absorb water, assuming that 3HP replaces SAP market, the market size is estimated to be at least *10 trillion won (*US BEROE research estimation).In addition, the global scale is expected to reach tens of trillion won when considering the “polymer” (material for plastic) material market.The NOROO Bio Convergence Research Institute has improved the low production yield and lowered the cost, whichwas a major problem of conventional commercialization, through the development of highly productive strains, efficientadditive discovery, and process optimization.They have acquired domestic and foreign patents for related technologies, and ‘test production’ (in Demo Scale) inthe first half of next year for an optimized automated process. The completion of the facility construction is about to come.Upon success, it will also secure process technology for the world's first 3HP Mass Production.

15.10.2020