Sample sales started for kinari material

In 2017, the Panasonic Group formulated the Panasonic Environmental Vision 2050, which aims to create a society where people can live better and more comfortably with clean energy, in order to achieve both a better life and a sustainable global environment.In 2019, following the completion of Green Plan 2018 The Green Plan 2021, which focuses on key issues to realise Panasonic Environmental Vision 2050, has been formulated and is being worked towards completion.

Among these, we have been developing materials using cellulose fibre with the aim of reducing our environmental impact, such as by reducing the use of petroleum-derived resins. Cellulose fibre is attracting attention as a resource with a low environmental impact due to the use of waste wood from thinning and wood scraps, etc. The cellulose fibre moulding material, an environmentally friendly new material developed in 2018, has been used in the structural parts of cordless stick vacuum cleaners and is particularly important for its lightweight Along with reduced environmental impact, it also contributes to the reduction of environmental impact. Furthermore, in 2019, we succeeded in producing a white material from cellulose fibres, which tend to turn brown, through a processing technology*2 that mixes more than 55% of cellulose fibres into the resin. In 2021, we will develop a composite processing technology*3 to mix cellulose fibres into resin at 70%, as well as a moulding processing technology to commercialise it, and at the same time develop it for mass production moulding, and by combining it with new mould structures and optimisation of the moulding process, we can achieve thin-wall moulding processing and high wood quality without colouring agents. The material has achieved a material feel and other features.

Now that we have completed the trial verification of the moulding material with 55% cellulose fibre content and are on track to supply 10 tonnes/month of material production capacity, we will start sample sales with the aim of using the material in more commercial products and contributing to the environment. In addition, production goods (moulds, moulding processes, etc.) will be provided upon customer request. Through these initiatives, the company will promote the development of products such as home appliance housings, automotive mechanisms and interior components that utilise the features and advantages of high density cellulose fibre moulding materials, housing interior components that utilise high strength and design, large home appliance exteriors, beauty appliances, clothing and clothing, daily necessities, as well as beverage and food containers.

Features of the 55% cellulose fibre content moulding material
1. cellulose fibre, a naturally occurring fibre, composited with resin (polypropylene) at a concentration of 55%.
2. the composite material (pellets) is white and can be coloured freely
3. moulding process technology enables woody designs to be realised