In Japan, Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Panasonic HD) has developed a molding material with full marine biodegradability by applying the technology the company has been developing to incorporate highly concentrated cellulose fiber derived from plants into resins. By adding plant-derived cellulose fiber at high concentrations to marine biodegradable resins, Panasonic HD has succeeded in developing a molding material that achieves both excellent mechanical properties and marine biodegradability.
By modifying mixing and molding technologies, Panasonic HD has succeeded in developing a plant-derived cellulose fiber molding material (100% biomass content) that has complete marine biodegradability and comparable strength to polypropylene (PP) used in durable applications. Just like conventional kinari, the new material is also available as white pellets that can be colored as needed.
This new material has been certified as a “Marine Biodegradable & Biobased Plastics” by the Japan Bioplastics Association.
Panasonic HD plans to start selling pellets of this material by 2027 and aims to leverage its unique properties for many applications, including household appliance casings, automotive parts, consumer goods, beverage and food containers. Through these efforts, Panasonic HD aims to promote corporate activities contributing to a sustainable society by reducing resin usage.
Tags: Japan, molding material, Panasonic HD
Category: Fuels
