Pana Chemical / ITOCHU Corporation / Okayama Prefecture - April 20, 2004 - Eco-Environment News Summary

Pana Chemical / ITOCHU Corporation / Okayama Prefecture - April 20, 2004 - Eco-Environment News Summary

1.
"The City of Plasticity like a Glue"
Thermoplastic resins are traded for a fee if certain conditions are met, such as sorting. The market for the four major resins, including polyethylene and polypropylene, is stable due to their versatility, and demand is growing, especially in Asia.

2.
The Value of Waste Plastics: Selecting and Choosing
The value of waste plastics is determined by sorting, volume reduction, and quality. The conditions are the absence of foreign material contamination, volume reduction processes such as compaction, and consistency of types, and a system that enables take-back of large quantities is required.

3.
White grains with life again
Some high-performance resins, such as polycarbonate, are recyclable but have a narrow range of uses and are difficult to value, but if conditions are met, they can be pelletized for resale. However, if conditions are met, they can be converted into pellets for resale. They are sold at 70 to 100 percent of the price of virgin resin.

4.
The Road to Revival: Turning Sand
Based at the Port of Nagoya, a project has been launched to recycle waste sand generated during casting production as a raw material for cement. A system has been established to intermediate process 20,000 tons per year and transport it by sea to Taiheiyo Cement plants.

5.
The Wisdom of Ships to Clear Black Smoke
NYK and Daiwa Kogyo jointly developed a PM collection device for ships, and have been voluntarily introducing the device since the early stage when there were no regulations. In addition to installation on NYK-owned vessels, the company is also looking to expand external sales in the future.

6.
The Shape of the Wind Carrier
Nippon Express has introduced a new type of transport vehicle that can transport the huge blades of wind power generation equipment. The company aims to expand its business by meeting demand for installation in mountainous areas and other difficult-to-reach locations.

7.
The Thread Thread, Five Hundred and Forty Splendors.
ITOCHU Corporation and the University of Yamanashi established a technology for producing the world's thinnest biodegradable fiber. The polylactic acid fiber, with a diameter of 540 nanometers, is expected to have a wide range of applications in medicine, clothing, and filters.

8.
The Wisdom of Gathering and Dispersing Revived in the Land of Kibi
Okayama Prefecture's eco-town concept introduces a new model of decentralized mini-eco-towns. Centered on the Mizushima Industrial Complex, plans are underway to leverage the strengths of each region.

9.
Aspiration for Circulation Clothed in the Cloak of Law
Okayama Prefecture was the first prefecture in Japan to clearly state an ordinance to promote resource recycling. A system to support the technologies of small and medium-sized enterprises and local industries has been established, aiming to revitalize each region.

10.
The Road of Learning and Circles
Okayama Prefecture has established a company-led learning program to enhance environmental education, based on the "Eco Action 21" educational model based on ISO14031, in cooperation with local schools.