Furthering its corporate mission that states: "We in the Kuraray
Group are committed to opening new fields of business using pioneering
technology and contributing to an improved natural environment and
quality of life," Kuraray is contributing to the environment through
development and application of its unique functional materials.
One such material is EVAL, which was developed by Kuraray as the
world's first copolymer EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer resin).
It has the highest level of effectiveness in gas impermeability in
plastics. Kuraray holds a 70% share of the world market for this
material.
Because of its special characteristics, EVAL contributes to the
environment through two main applications:
1) It is widely used in the packaging of mayonnaise, ketchup and
similar products as it prevents degradation or deterioration that
results from oxygen entering the container.
Plastic is being increasingly used for food packaging, and the
containers are lighter than comparable glass or tin containers. The
reduced weight of the containers is lessening the burden on
distribution and on the disposal of unused food and in these ways
contributes to preservation of the environment.
2) It is being widely used as a barrier layer in the plastic fuel
tanks of cars and other vehicles to isolate the volatile elements of
gasoline.
In addition to protecting against the emission of volatile
elements into the atmosphere, plastic fuel tanks have also helped car
manufactures to reduce the weight of automobiles, contributing to
energy conservation.
With the creation of a new application, Kuraray announces that
EVAL will contribute to the environment-friendly product development
of the U.S. corporation NIKE Inc, which is a leader in its response to
environmental issues.
In 2006, NIKE Inc. eliminated greenhouse gases in all of its NIKE
Air cushioning, a goal the company has been pursuing for more than a
decade to support its own environmental and sustainable product
innovation and design goals.
NIKE accomplished this goal with a new proprietary manufacturing
technology using Kuraray's EVAL EVOH. The new process enabled NIKE to
switch from SF6 and PFC greenhouse gases to more environment-friendly
nitrogen in its NIKE Air cushioning.
The process also improved product performance and delivered
innovation to consumers, with NIKE introducing the first running shoe
featuring full 360 NIKE Air cushioning.
The Kuraray Group is continuing to concentrate on its
environmental contributions in other ways as well. Such measures
include a revolutionary process to stop the use of organic solvents in
the manufacture of the next-generation man-made leather (TIRRENINA)
and the provision of a carbon-neutral polylactic acid material
developed from corn.
Italicized product names are trademarks of Kuraray.