An exhibition of products made from environmentally friendly materials such as wood fibers and thinned bamboo has been launched in an effort to reduce plastic waste.
More than 900 companies participated in the exhibition that started on the 7th at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, exhibiting environmentally friendly materials and products made from these materials.
Among them, a major paper manufacturer is exhibiting an EV (electric vehicle) race car that uses cellulose nanofiber, a biomass material that finely loosens wood fibers, for part of the car body.
Weight reduction is a challenge for EVs in order to improve driving efficiency, but if this material is used, it can be made up to 60 kg lighter than the body made of conventional plastics.
In addition, a trading company specializing in chemical products exhibits bags and shoes made from resin mixed with discarded egg shells.
Compared to conventional synthetic leather, it means that the durability does not change.
Other exhibits at the venue included steering wheels and other auto parts made from thinned bamboo, and soap made from rice husks.
Mr. Katsutoshi Tsuchiya, secretary general of the company that hosted the event, said, "It is difficult for a single company to develop new materials alone, so I would be happy if partners were found through the exhibition and development accelerated."