Carmakers giving paint a green makeover

摘要

Ford Motor Co.'s new paint shop process has slashed its carbon dioxide emissions 20 percent and its emissions of volatile organic compounds 10 percent. It also has cut costs by USD7 to USD11 per vehicle. Paint shops are the most environmentally problematic part of an assembly plant. They consume enormous amounts of electricity. They require expensive air and water treatment equipment to ensure they don't pollute the air or discharge tainted water. And the treatment process usually generates some solid waste - some of which may be classified as hazardous.