While hydrogen as one of clean energies is getting diffused into society, JFE Container which develops small-sized high-pressure hydrogen container is now developing a uniquely colored hydrogen container (1.1ℓup to 6.8ℓ) from the desire to get general consumers to feel hydrogen closer. 

As the first step they have completed containers in metallic red and silver colors which show metallic luster. In the future they wish to put on logo, company name and images. The container was exhibited also at the FC＆H₂EXPO 2025. 

The designed color scheme was applied to 2.8ℓand 6.8ℓ containers for JC-RUN’s FC-Hydro Series at this time. 

Yuki Inoue sub-manager of Gas Container Plant of High-pressure Gas Division said, “Our small gas containers have been actually used for FC loaded drones, grass mowers and electric assisted bicycles. These containers catch people’s eyes more easily than those used in plants. We hope the changed color will make people aware that hydrogen is really used.” 

According to Article 10 of Container Safety Rules, high-pressure gas containers shall be coated on their outer surface in designated colors depending on the type of gas to contain. The coating area shall be half or more of the whole container outer surface. It means that in case of a hydrogen container the area coated in red may be half or more. The experimental container was ultimately designed in combination of red and silver with the theme of “simplicity.”

For reference, as the rule showed no specific requirement about red color, JFE used a paint in the color so called “Metallic Red.” 

Sub-manager Inoue said, “The metallic red is a paint having a property of diffuse reflection. It is used to paint automobiles as one of the colors to draw people’s attention. However, to make the test sample was apt to sink making a wine-red like color and something like black color when seen from a distance. After repeated attempts to change coating methods, we at last reached a satisfactory method to balance both of compliance and designability.”     

On the body the company name is shown at two locations. One was displayed as stencil and the other was sealed. A silk screen and spray were also tested. Depending on the sizes of logo and company name, the company is now looking for an optimum painting method.      

He also said, “As the first step we completed the test sample of container in metallic red, but we would like to change the color, painting scope and contents ultimately to meet the image and log required by our customers. Although hydrogen is one of the carbon-neutral energies, general people do not yet seem to be aware of it. By means of making some ingenuity about the design, we wish to make impacts and create our own outstanding value not limiting only to the supply of containers.”