Why the 'Midwife' of the Boston Bio Cluste...

How Can aCompany Survive Long-Term?Most Koreancompanies were founded after the country's liberation in 1945. Many were bornfrom abandoned equipment left behind by hastily departing Japanese, producinggoods like rubber shoes, canned food, cosmetics, and ink, or operating generalstores and auto repair shops. Some, like Hyundai and LG, grew into globalconglomerates. Others evolved into mid-sized firms by focusing deeply onspecific industries.Whether large ormid-sized, these companies now face a common challenge: while previously theycould succeed by following advanced technologies from the U.S. and Japan, theyhave now reached their growth limits. Emerging economies like China aremimicking Korea’s success formula and taking over market share. The era nowdemands transformation into "first movers" with breakthroughtechnologies never seen before.NOROO Holdings Chairman Han Young-jaeis interviewed by the JoongAng Ilbo at his office in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, onthe afternoon of the 15th Sept 2025. (Reporter Kang Jeong-hyeon)“We Want to Import the Boston Bio SuccessStory”On the morning ofSeptember 13, a blue-eyed middle-aged man appeared at NOROO Group’sheadquarters in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province. His name: Johannes Fruehauf, founderof LabCentral and BioLabs—both key incubators nurturing deep-tech bio startupsin Boston, the world’s leading biotech cluster. He was visiting Korea for thefirst time as a keynote speaker at the "Korea International Forum onInnovation & Startups" held at KAIST on September 10–11.A few days later,Fruehauf visited NOROO Holdings to receive a corporate briefing and toured apilot facility producing 3HP (3-Hydroxypropionic Acid), one of the “Top 12Future Bio-based Platform Chemicals” selected by the U.S. Department of Energy.Touring the 5-ton scale production line, he repeatedly expressed amazement.Accompanying him was Young-Jae Han, Chairman of NOROO Holdings, who is leadingthe company into its 80th year of history.Why would aglobal biotech pioneer like Fruehauf—who typically meets with top-tier figureslike SK Group Chairman Tae-won Chey—choose to visit a 1-trillion-won mid-sizedKorean firm in Gyeonggi? In an interview on September 15 at NOROO's Seouloffice, Chairman Han shared his perspective on how Korean companies can breakthrough the growth ceiling they now face.Johannes Fruehauf, Chairman ofLabCentral in Boston, USA, toured the 3HP production facility at the NOROOPaint plant on the 13thSept 2025. [Photo: NOROO Holdings]Q. What led Fruehauf to visit NOROO’sAnyang plant?“He was visitingKorea to attend the international forum and to explore a potential Korean basefor BioLabs. I reached out and invited him to Anyang, which houses NOROO’s keybio production site and advanced facilities. I first met him last October in Boston,and that encounter sparked our relationship.We wanted tobring the success model of LabCentral and BioLabs to Korea. Our interestsaligned naturally.”Q. What did you discuss during hisvisit?“Our Anyang plantfeatures a 5-ton pilot line for 3HP, a next-generation bio-based platformmaterial.As far as weknow, NOROO is the only company globally with this scale of pilotinfrastructure.Beyond a planttour, we had in-depth discussions on building Korea’s own industrial bioecosystem.I sought hisadvice on how to scale 3HP-based bio-materials into a global ecosystem.”Q. Why is a paint company investingin 3HP?“The paintindustry has grown in parallel with Korea’s industrial economy for decades, butwe are now at a ceiling. The domestic market is saturated, and traditionalheavy industries are weakening in global competitiveness.The real estateslump has also hit us hard—this year we expect negative growth.So NOROO made astrategic decision to expand beyond petro-based chemicals into bio-basedmaterials.This is also thefuture path for Korea’s broader petrochemical industry.”Q. What is the connection betweenyour bio-based business and 3HP?“3HP is a keybio-platform chemical selected by the U.S. Department of Energy.It’s plant-basedand serves as a foundational material for a wide range of sustainable polymersand eco-friendly chemicals. Development competition is fierce worldwide. 3HPwill likely be the cornerstone of global industrial bio ecosystems goingforward.NOROO has beendeveloping 3HP technology for nearly a decade, based on tech transferred fromProfessor Sung-Hoon Park at UNIST, a leading researcher in synthetic biology.”Q. What can 3HP be used for?“3HP can replacepetrochemical raw materials in various sectors:Bio-plastics, Industrialsolvents, Bio-monomers for cosmetics and food additivesCurrently,domestic and global companies are testing our pilot-produced 3HP insemiconductor cleaning agents and solar panel detergents.”Seeds as NationalSovereignty—and Future BusinessQ. NOROO Group also runs a seedbusiness?“During the1997 IMF crisis, much of Korea’s seed industry was sold off to foreigncompanies.For us, seeds areboth about restoring sovereignty and securing future food supply.In 2015, welaunched our seed business under the brand ‘The Given’ and are cultivatingKorean crop varieties like chamoe melons and chili peppers through hybridbreeding.If GMOregulations are relaxed in the future, we’re open to exploring gene-edited seeddevelopment.”Q. What is NOROO Group’s long-termvision?“We mark our 80thanniversary this November. NOROO is now fully transitioning into the future.Beyondpetrochemicals, we aim to become a leading bio-industry player that contributesto society and the nation. The government has long focused on R (Research) inR&D, but D (Development) and commercialization remain weak. I want to be afrontrunner who bridges science and business—turning research into real-worldimpact.”JoongAng Ilboscience reporter and editorial writer Choi Jun-hohttps://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25370995

30.9.2025

Dr. Johannes Fruehauf, President of ‘LabCentral’ i...

Discussion on bio start-upincubation, global expansion, and cooperation for building a bio ecosystem[image courtesy: NOROO holdings] Johannes Fruehauf, M.D., Ph.D., president ofLabCentral—a core infrastructure hub in the Boston bio cluster—visited theNOROO Bio Convergence Research Center in Anyang on September 13.The visit was arranged to share research achievementson the next-generation bio-based material 3HP (3-Hydroxypropionic Acid),currently under commercialization at the NOROO Bio Convergence Research Center,and to explore cooperation with Huayi (industrial use) in establishing a bioecosystem.LabCentral, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is aworld-class bio research hub. It has nurtured numerous globalstart-ups—including Moderna, developer of the COVID-19 vaccine—through sharedlaboratories and support systems. Dr. Fruehauf, a physician and entrepreneur,has built an extensive innovation and investment network in the U.S. and isregarded as a key figure linking the Boston bio cluster with the global bioecosystem.At the NOROO Bio Convergence Research Center, Dr.Fruehauf was introduced to the 3HP research results as well as NOROO’s plansfor building a sustainable bio ecosystem. 3HP, produced from biomass such asseaweed, is an eco-friendly material that can replace petroleum-basedchemicals. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as one of the “Top12 Future Bio-Based Platform Chemicals,” 3HP and its derivatives (such as P3HP)have potential applications across adhesives, paints, medical sutures, eco-friendlypackaging films, and other advanced materials.Because it can be converted into various chemicalstructures, 3HP is classified as a “Platform Chemical.” In particular, itsderivative P3HP offers biodegradability and biocompatibility, enablingapplications in medical, aerospace, and packaging sectors.Dr. Fruehauf toured the 3HP demo plant, reviewing itsfacilities and commercialization readiness. He commented, “I was able todirectly confirm the research infrastructure and innovation capacity of theNOROO Bio Convergence Research Center. In particular, the 3HP productionprocess appears sufficiently scalable to serve as a game-changer in the globalbio industry value chain.”NOROO plans to establish a bio start-up hub, centeredon its Future Convergence Research Institute, to foster promising ventures,expand collaboration with global research infrastructure, and build abio-foundry for synthetic biology. The company also intends to accelerate openinnovation and apply artificial intelligence (AI) to advance its ESGmanagement.Through this visit, NOROO aims to strengthen globalcooperative networks, present its innovative technologies, and systematicallyenhance its open innovation and ESG practices—paving the way for the growth ofa sustainable bio ecosystem.

17.9.2025

NOROO Paint Selected as Official Partner of ‘Friez...

Frieze, alongside Switzerland’s Art Baseland France’s FIAC, is one of the world’s top three international art fairs,rapidly expanding its influence in the Asian market. In particular, South Koreahas been emerging as a key strategic hub, drawing leading global galleries toSeoul.Asia’s largest-scale edition, Frieze Seoul,is supported by major global corporations such as Deutsche Bank and LGElectronics. NOROO Paint has been an official partner of Frieze Seoul since2022, and this year marks its fourth consecutive participation. As part of itssponsorship, NOROO Paint will also support the Frieze Stand Prize, awarded inLondon to outstanding gallery presentations, providing customized paints forselected winners’ hs.This year, NOROO Seoul Design Studio(NSDS), NOROO Group’s color consulting institution, will supply bespoke paintsoptimized for exhibition themes, developed through advanced research.By integrating research-based design withNOROO’s proprietary color expertise, the company enables participating artistsand galleries to deliver immersive presentations. This year’s partnership willhighlight works such as “Color Sound,” a program combining art and sound,ensuring both aesthetic and experimental content for audiences.A NOROO Paint spokesperson stated, “We aredeeply honored to participate as the official partner of Frieze Seoul, Asia’slargest art fair, for the fourth consecutive year. Going forward, as a globalcolor company, we will continue to support diverse art initiatives worldwideand strive to deliver cultural inspiration to audiences through our brand.”Frieze Seoul 2025 will be held at COEX,Seoul, from September 3 to 6, 2025, featuring around 120 galleries from over 30countries, including world-renowned names such as Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth,and Lehmann Maupin

5.9.2025

NOROO Paint Sponsors MMCA's Special Exhibition ...

NOROO Paint Celebrates 80th Anniversary with Color Collaboration forNational Art ExhibitionTo mark its 80th anniversary, NOROOPaint has proudly sponsored the special exhibition "Longing forHome", hosted by the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art(MMCA), commemorating the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation.This large-scale exhibition exploresthe collective memory of "hometown" through the lens of Korea'smodern and contemporary history — its pain, resilience, and healing. It runs throughNovember 9 at MMCA Deoksugung, following its grand opening on August 13, whichdrew over 300 notable figures from the cultural and industrial sectors who cametogether to reflect on the meaning of liberation.The exhibition is thematicallydivided into four sections — alien land, affection for home, loss of home, and longing for home — capturing the emotional landscape of displaced Koreans. It featuresmore than 200 works, including paintings, drawings, and archival materials by86 iconic artists such as Kim Whanki, Park Soo-keun, Lee Ung-no, and NaHye-seok.To enhance the immersive experience,NOROO Paint developed custom color solutions tailored to each section’s curatorial themeand exhibition space, further elevating the exhibition’svisual and emotional impact.Founded in 1945 — the very year ofKorea’s liberation — NOROOPaint has long been known as a “liberation-bornenterprise.” Under the founding spirit of “For My Nation”, the company pioneered Korea’s first ink development and led innovations in coatings andprecision chemical technologies, contributing significantly to the nation’s industrialization.As part of its ongoing ESGinitiatives, NOROO Paint has actively supported the arts and communitywell-being through color design. Its sponsorship of this exhibition is acontinuation of its commitment to cultural and social contribution. Pastcollaborations include the award-winning “The Wing” classical concert forunderprivileged communities (recognized by the Korea Mecenat Association), aswell as partnerships with Sejong Center, Frieze Seoul, and Milan Design Week.This latest project serves as a best practice in delivering social valuethrough the arts, aligning with NOROO’s belief that “art should be accessible to all.”A NOROO Paint representative stated,> “We are deeply honored to join theMMCA in commemorating this meaningful exhibition that reflects on thesignificance of liberation. As a company born in the year of Korea’s independence, we will continue to develop innovative products andtechnologies that enrich people’s lives and promotesocial good through cultural engagement.”The "Longing for Home"exhibition continues through November 9, inviting visitors to experience thepoignant beauty of “home” and the emotional resonance of Korea’s liberation through the masterpieces of renowned artists — all brought to life with NOROO Paint’ssignature colors.

21.8.2025

Kiban-Tech Completes Pilot Project for “Greenhouse ...

Kiban-Tech, a subsidiary of NOROO Holdings specializing in agricultural technology, announced the successful completion of a pilot project supporting the application of a UV-blocking coating agent for greenhouse films. The project was carried out in collaboration with Daejeong Agricultural Co-operative in Jeju Island and targeted citrus farmers cultivating premium varieties such as Hallabong and Red Hyang.Amid record-breaking heatwaves in Jeju Island during 2025, the initiative aimed to mitigate sunburn damage and stabilize fruit quality and yields. Notably, this was the first pilot project of its kind conducted in Jeju, setting a precedent for preventative crop management in the region.Given that varieties like Hallabong are highly sensitive to heat and prone to sunburn, early intervention is essential. The project included a demonstration session held at the Daejeong Agricultural Cooperative hall in Seogwipo, where 60 pre-registered farmers participated in field testing and received hands-on guidance with the new solution.The coating agent, co-developed by Kiban-Tech and the Rural Development Administration, is applied to the outer film of greenhouses and is compatible with agricultural drones, making it easy to apply. It offers exceptional UV protection and versatility, making it suitable for various greenhouse structures. The product has been recognized for helping to maintain crop growth rates and fruit quality under high-temperature stress.Kiban-Tech’s solution is one of the three major products in the global UV-blocking market. Its partner company INOCHIO (Japan) has already exported the technology to Thailand, Mexico, and the Netherlands, where it has been praised for technical excellence and quality.A participating farmer shared, “This year’s extreme heat in Jeju has seriously affected our crops. I hope Kiban-Tech’s coating solution can protect us from sunburn and help ensure a stable harvest.”

29.7.2025

NOROO Holdings and Yonsei University Bio-Health Te...

Accelerating convergence innext-gen medical and bio-material industriesNOROO Holdings has signed a strategic Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MOU) with Yonsei University BioHealth Technology Holdings tolaunch a next-generation bio-business partnership. This collaboration marks asignificant step toward building a core innovation ecosystem within Korea’srapidly evolving bio-health sector, fostering both entrepreneurship and globalscalability.The agreement wasformalized on July 9 at NOROO Holdings' Seoul headquarters. Under thispartnership, the two parties will focus on:• Advancingcommercialization of bio-based technologies• Jointly nurturingstartups with scalable IP• ExpandingESG-aligned bio entrepreneurship• Establishing openinnovation pipelines connecting industry and academiaThe collaboration willleverage NOROO’s Bio-Convergence Research Center and Yonsei’s BioHealthholdings structure to co-develop novel bio-materials. The initial focus will beon 3HP (3-Hydroxypropionic Acid), a versatile, eco-friendly platform chemical.Applications span from medical materials to biodegradable plastics. Jointresearch and market validation are expected to enable faster scale-up,investment, and commercialization.Yonsei UniversityBioHealth Technology Holdings, established in 2021, is Korea’s firstuniversity-backed holding company specializing in bio-health. It supportsdeep-tech startups through R&D infrastructure, funding vehicles, andaccelerator programs.NOROO Holdings has beeninvesting in next-gen bio-material R&D since 2015, especially in 3HP andwhite biotechnology. In 2023, it completed a full pilot-scale production systemand is now expanding toward industrial-level commercialization. NOROO is alsopart of Korea's “Bio Open Innovation Technology Platform” project, targetingfull-cycle development from lab to market for sustainable materials.

22.7.2025

Stealth paint, carbon reduction type building mate...

80th anniversary of establishment, new technology and newproduct exhibition, 300 people including group and partner companies attendedPresenting future industryportfolio direction, hybrid transparent protective coating, etc. used invarious industries such as interior design NOROO Group is one of the few long-lived companies that has beenaround since the beginning of Korean industry. From the days of painting theexterior walls of buildings, it has supplied high-performance paints toindustries such as railways, shipbuilding, automobiles, and electronics. Now,it is evaluated as a ‘material-based technology company.’To celebrate its 80th anniversary, NOROO Group held the ‘2025 NewTechnology and New Product Exhibition’ at its Anyang headquarters for five daysfrom April 14. It was an event to officially announce the results of itstechnology-centered future strategy to the public. A NOROO official explained,“The time accumulated over 80 years has become a technological asset,” and“‘surface painting technology’ has transformed into ‘materials that support theindustry. ’”NOROO Paint did not introduce technology but revealed the directionof NOROO’s future industry portfolio transformation. About 300 people fromgroup companies and partners attended the exhibition. This was to form a‘company-wide consensus for innovation.’ A two-wayreal-time program was also held in which employees within the group couldparticipate online.[Photo courtesy: NOROO Paint]In addition to the presentations, the event featured streamingtechnical explanations and live Q&A sessions, where members had in-depthdiscussions about the product’s performance, applications, and marketability.The exhibition was organized around three strategic technologyareas. The most notable product was ‘stealth paint.’ This product is a specialpaint for the defense industry that simultaneously achieves excellent radiowave absorption and light weight through precise design of polymermicrostructure and particle composition. A research institute officialexplained, “The defense sector is an area that requires national strategictechnology,” and “It is a bridgehead for entering the high value-added advancedmaterials market.”In the future growth engine technology section, a total of sixtechnologies were revealed with the keywords of environment, safety, andsustainability. The most notable technology was the ‘Battery Flame RetardantMolding Agent’ for electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Thisproduct is a new material that simultaneously secures high flame retardancy andelectrical insulation. ‘Carbon Reduction PCM Building Material Paint’ is amaterial that can substantially reduce carbon dioxide emissions whilemaintaining the properties of the existing color steel plate manufacturingprocess. It is evaluated to be suitable for the construction and industrialmaterial fields where environmental regulations related to carbon neutralityare being fully applied.The market-leading technology section focuses on improvingperformance in areas with high consumer contact points. The representativeproduct, ‘Hybrid Transparent Protective Coating’, is a mixture of epoxy andsiloxane resins to ensure scratch resistance, fast curing time, and excellentdurability. It can be used in various industrial sites such as parking lots,hotel lobbies, and exposed concrete interiors.The technology that NOROO emphasized at this exhibition is evaluatedas a strategic technology that responds to the paradigm shift in the market.Bang Yang-guk, head of NOROO Paint Research Institute, said, “This is astrategic declaration that clearly shows what we will focus on for the next 10to 20 years.” He added, “NOROO Group has held technology exhibitions in thepast, but this 80th anniversary is even more meaningful in that it was a placewhere the entire group shared technology and thought about market changestogether.”

23.6.2025

NOROO Paint, which added color to the industrializ...

Leading the 'Philosophy of Color' for 80 years Competing with quality even in global crises Expanding overseas including supplying financial paints Diversifying business including secondary battery paints Showcasing technological prowess at Milan Design Exhibition 50 years of social contribution with Anyang CityFounded in 1945 in Hoehyeon-dong, Seoul, ‘Daehan OFFSET Ink’ added color to the industrialization of the Republic of Korea under the name of ‘NOROO Paint.’ The founder, Chairman Han Jeong-dae, expanded into the paint business by establishing a modern production system during the period when even securing raw materials was difficult immediately after liberation. This is the root of NOROO Paint’s technological independence and quality philosophy.NOROO Paint has grown together with the value of ‘color’ in all industries, from residential spaces to future cars and secondary batteries. Since the mid-1960s, it has expanded its appearance significantly by pursuing business diversification and technological advancement in line with the government’s export-oriented policy. In 1974, it was officially recognized as a partner in the development of national industry by receiving the Bongtap Industrial Medal from the Prime Minister.[‘Hongchul Wonderland’, a collaboration between NOROO Paint and broadcaster Hongchul, exhibited at the 2024 Milan Design Week. Courtesy of NOROO Paint]◇ Rapid growth amid economic crisisEven in the midst of crises such as the 1970s day shock, the 1990s foreign exchange crisis, and the 2000s financial crisis, NOROO Paint did not waver. It established a cutting-edge research institute, diversified its business, operated a new factory, and spurred research and development (R&D). It raised its quality control and production system to the international level. It sent a signal flare to enter the overseas market by supplying paint to the Chinese Forbidden City renovation project.In the 2000s, under the leadership of Chairman Han Young-jae, the company made full-scale inroads into the Chinese and Southeast Asian markets. By introducing company-wide safety and environmental management, it secured both sustainability and competitiveness. This strategy became a decisive turning point that placed NOROO Paint among the ranks of global paint companies.In the 2010s, NOROO Paint established the brand integration strategy, ‘NOROO WAY’. Through a strategic partnership with PANTONE, it actively introduced global color trends and technologies. It established joint ventures in Malaysia, the Middle East, India, and Turkey, and rose to a position leading the trend of the paint industry. It implemented a strategy of exporting technology and design sensibility centered on ‘color’.◇ Color Sensitivity Shines in MilanNOROO Paint is not just a company that manufactures architectural paints. It is developing next-generation technologies such as secondary batteries, aviation and defense industries, and carbon-reduction paints. The ‘NOROO Group New Technology and New Product Exhibition’ was designed as a place to share technological innovation achievements and discuss future strategies. The exhibition was a site that intensively showed what NOROO Paint is preparing for sustainable growth and strengthening global competitiveness.NOROO Paint participated in the ‘2024 Milan Design Week’ and presented the brand color exhibition content ‘Hongchul Wonderland’. Milan Design Week was an event where designers and brands from around the world gathered in Milan, Italy to share future design trends.NOROO Paint emphasized that color is a key element that goes beyond the simple properties of a product and sensually changes human life. It emphasized color research capabilities and unique color aesthetics.‘Hongchul Wonderland’, created in collaboration with broadcaster Hongchul, is an experiential exhibition that combines popularity and artistry, and has received favorable reviews from young visitors and global media. NOROO Paint’s participation in the exhibition has become an opportunity for NOROO’s philosophy on the design industry and color culture to be recognized on the international stage.◇ 50 years of partnership with Anyang CitySince its establishment in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province in 973, NOROO Paint has been practicing social contribution activities in cooperation with Anyang City for over 50 years. To mark World Environment Day, approximately 130 employees, citizens, and public officials participated in the Anyangcheon cleanup activity.On the anniversary of its founding, the tradition of donating rice received instead of wreaths to local residents has continued. Under the slogan, “Partners Walking Together with Citizens,” the labor -led charity bazaar called the Hands of Love was also held.NOROO Paint’s self-evaluation is that the 80 years since its founding are the result of a ‘philosophy of color’ that has not wavered from technological advancements and market changes. NOROO Paint stated, “NOROO Paint, which has colored industry, people, space, and emotions, will not stop its brushwork to paint a better tomorrow.”

23.6.2025

The Kiban, selected as ‘2025 Global Leading Compan...

Accelerating the globalexpansion of domestic seeds… Opening overseas markets with seeds developed forlocal market The Kiban, an agricultural lifescience affiliate of Noroo Group, has been selected as the final candidate forthe ‘2025 Global Leading Company 1000+’ support project hosted by the Ministryof SMEs and Startups. This project is a nationalstrategic project which comprehensively evaluates technological prowess, exportperformance, overseas market development potential, etc. to and supportsmall and medium-sized enterprises with high growth potential.After going through strictscreening, The Kiban achieved official export performance of over 5 milliondollars in 2024 and proudly ranked as a ‘strong small and medium-sizedenterprise.’With this selection as anopportunity, the company plans to further strengthen its overseas marketdevelopment activities. In particular, it plans to expand its export regions bydistributing local customized vegetable seeds centered on major exportingcountries such as Central Asia, the Middle East, China, and the United States,and establishing a strategic cooperation system with global buyers.A representative of thefoundation said, “We will continue to do our best to research and developvegetable seeds suitable for the global market and varieties suitable forclimate change to increase competitiveness and to widely publicize theexcellence of Korean seeds to the global market.”

11.6.2025

‘Noroo Paint’ and ‘Kumho Construction’ corporate l...

Noroo Paint, oneof the major fine-chemical company if Korea, had announced on the 16thMAY that it signed a business agreement(MOU) with Kumho Construction companyfor the systematic management of apartment color design.This agreement is a strategic partnership to secure expertise andsustainability in the overall color design of apartment exteriors.Based on mutualtrust, the two companies will establish a system to maintain consistency andquality in color design for complexes applying Kumho Construction's newresidential brand 'ARTERA', and will increase the level of design perfectionthrough systematic management and consulting.Noroo Paint willprovide Kumho Construction with expert information on color design and relatedpaints, and will be in charge of overall development consulting to ensure thatthe apartment color maintenance and management system operates smoothly. The twocompanies plan to share information on color design and, based on this, preparea design guide that matches the characteristics of each complex and the needsof residents.Within the scopeof the agreement, both companies plan to pursue joint promotional and marketingactivities through consultation.Kim Hak-geun,managing director of Noroo Paint, said, “Design is an important language thatspeaks of a brand,” and added, “This agreement will be a good example ofarchitectural design innovation through collaboration between privatecompanies.”

20.5.2025

NOROO Paint Unveils ‘Green Aurora’ - A Touch of Lu...

[2025 Spring Interior Preview]Introducing ‘Green Aurora’ PaintAs the final throes of winter persist, anticipation for spring grows ever stronger. The season of renewal brings with it changes in lifestyle—whether through marriage, relocation, or the fresh start of a new academic or professional journey. Amidst these transformations, reimagining one’s living space becomes an essential part of the process. This year, leading interior design companies are setting the stage for spring with their latest trends.NOROO Paint, the main chemical business affiliate of NOROO Holdings has unveiled an exquisite collection of 18 paint options, centered around the vibrant Green Aurora shade, offering a refreshing and sophisticated touch for spring interiors.‘Green Aurora’—The Color of Seoul, Inspired by NatureThe recently launched Green Aurora has been designated as Seoul’s official color of the year. This nature-inspired green hue exudes a sense of freshness and tranquility, creating a serene yet invigorating ambiance in any space.Through meticulous formulation and rigorous testing, Noroo Paint has successfully captured the essence of Green Aurora—reminiscent of lush summer foliage basking under streetlights at dusk. The brand’s innovative approach allows consumers to personalize their interiors with a hue that resonates with their unique aesthetic preferences.Transforming Spaces with ‘Green Aurora’Noroo Paint has also introduced expert styling tips for incorporating Green Aurora into self-designed spring interiors. Applying this shade to walls or ceilings instantly revitalizes a room, infusing it with a vibrant yet calming atmosphere. For a distinctive touch, patterned brushstrokes—whether in vertical or horizontal directions—can add depth and character. When used on ceilings, the color creates an illusion of expanded space, making rooms feel larger and more open.Beyond walls, Green Aurora serves as an elegant accent for furniture and decorative pieces. Painting table and chair legs, or incorporating wooden shelves and bookcases in this hue, adds a touch of personality to any setting. Floor elements, such as tiles or carpets in Green Aurora, can unify the overall aesthetic, creating a seamless and harmonious interior design.To achieve a balanced look, matching floor and wall colors within similar tonal ranges fosters a sense of stability and cohesion. Alternatively, opting for contrasting tones can create a striking visual impact, lending a bold and dynamic statement to the space.Where to Find ‘Green Aurora’ PaintNoroo Paint’s Green Aurora collection is available at authorized Noroo Paint distributors. The selection includes 11 premium eco-friendly water-based paints, ideal for interiors and architectural applications, alongside seven oil-based paints designed for flooring and waterproofing solutions.Since 2023, Noroo Paint has pioneered industry collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, establishing an MOU to support the ‘Design Seoul 2.0’ initiative and the development of the city’s official color palette. This partnership has led to various public engagement efforts, including the launch of the Seoul Color Standard Book, reinforcing Noroo Paint’s commitment to innovation and urban design.A Noroo Paint representative remarked, “Our newly released ‘Green Aurora’ paint, inspired by nature, is the perfect choice for spring interiors. We encourage homeowners to embrace the refreshing charm of ‘Green Aurora’ and transform their living spaces with this invigorating hue.”

20.2.2025

NOROO Holdings' The KIBAN Achieves IBS Project ...

- Contributing to the Laotian Community While Expanding Global Market Reach with Korean SeedsThe KIBAN, an agriculture-specialized subsidiary of Noroo Holdings, has successfully concluded its five-year agricultural development project in Laos in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). By introducing customized seedling and cultivation techniques, the initiative has significantly improved agricultural productivity and increased local farmers' incomes, thereby enhancing the reputation of Korean enterprises in the region.The KIBAN entered the Laotian agricultural market through KOICA's Inclusive Business Solution (IBS) Program, a flagship initiative fostering public-private partnerships to establish sustainable economic models in developing nations.Notably, The KIBAN is a vertically integrated company specializing in the development, distribution, and sale of seeds tailored for international markets. Leveraging its strong research and development (R&D) capabilities, the company has gone beyond simple technology transfers by independently developing and distributing seeds optimized for the local climate and dietary preferences. This commitment to innovation has positioned The KIBAN at the forefront of agricultural technology advancements in Laos.The KOICA IBS project in Laos has been recognized as one of KOICA’s "Best Practices", highlighting its effectiveness in fostering sustainable agricultural development. The KIBAN continues to focus on promoting the superior quality of customized Korean seeds to international markets.Building on its success in Laos, The KIBAN plans to expand into China and Eurasian markets, further pioneering global agricultural innovation.By strengthening the agricultural competitiveness of developing nations and supporting sustainable growth through public-private cooperation models, The KIBAN aims to lead the next wave of agricultural transformation worldwide.

11.2.2025

NOROO Paint, a Subsidiary of Noroo Holdings, Signs ...

- Addressing Food Insecurity for the Underprivileged and Promoting Resource Recycling[사진제공:노루페인트]Noroo Paint, a key subsidiary of Noroo Holdings, has announced a partnership with the social welfare organization ‘Yookwaehan Community’ in Anyang City to establish a Food Bank initiative for food donations to underserved communities.Under this agreement, both parties have pledged to collaborate in supporting low-income and marginalized groups in Anyang. Noroo Paint will hygienically collect and preserve surplus food from its in-house cafeteria, ensuring freshness and safety, while ‘Yookwaehan Community’ will distribute the donated food to free meal centers and other welfare facilities in accordance with its mission. To maintain food quality, refrigerated trucks will be utilized for transportation.The Food Bank system is a social welfare initiative that addresses food insecurity among disadvantaged individuals by redistributing surplus food that, despite being in excellent condition, cannot be sold in markets. This initiative also contributes to carbon neutrality by preventing food waste and promoting resource recycling.Currently, the Food Bank operated by ‘Yookwaehan Community’ supports 350 households, over 60 welfare institutions, and approximately 190 mobile food market beneficiaries.Additionally, Noroo Paint actively engages in waste reduction efforts through initiatives such as its Zero Food Waste Campaign, in which employees participate. The company’s in-house cafeteria is staffed entirely by full-time employees, ensuring consistent quality and well-balanced meal offerings.A Noroo Paint representative commented, “This Food Bank initiative embodies our commitment to both social welfare and environmental sustainability. We will continue to engage in community-centered charitable activities to support those in need.”

11.2.2025