ITechnology that was jointly developed by Sharp and Kansai Paint Co., Ltd. for the practical application of plant-based resin paint received the Excellence Award from the second Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

The Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award, which is presented by the prime minister of Japan, originated in 2005 to recognize achievements on the cutting edge of manufacturing which supports Japanese culture and industry. It is hoped that such recognition will help to cultivate manufacturing in future generations and to disseminate these notable achievements throughout the world.

Sharp and Kansai Paint Company were honored for developing a plant-based resin paint made mostly from cornstarch. This development contributes to sustainable manufacturing by allowing fossil-fuel-based paint used on products to be replaced with more environmentally friendly plant-based paint.

At the August 24, 2007 awards ceremony held at Hotel Granvia Osaka, Department General Manager Sumida of Sharp's Environmental Protection Group accepted the certificate on behalf of six engineers from the two companies.

Award winners pose on stage for a ceremonial photo: (Far left) Senior Manager Oonishi, Technical Department No.1, Industrial Coatings Division, Kansai Paint Co., Ltd. (Center right) Department General Manager Sumida, Green Product Development Promotion Department, Environmental Protection Group (Far right) Section Chief Fujibayashi, Technical Department No.1, Industrial Coatings Division, Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.