Toyoda Gosei Puts Cellulose Nanofiber-Reinforced Plastic for Automotive Parts Into Practical Application

Rhea-AI Summary

Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. has introduced a cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-reinforced plastic for use in lightweight product transport containers, initiating usage in its manufacturing plants from September. This innovation aims to reduce CO₂ emissions in automotive parts, as CNF is lighter and stronger than steel. The new containers are 6% lighter than prior versions and are projected to decrease CO₂ emissions by 6% over their lifecycle. The company plans to gather data to explore further applications of this material in automotive products.

Positive

• Introduction of CNF-reinforced plastic enhances product sustainability.
• Containers are 6% lighter, contributing to reduced CO₂ emissions.
• Potential for future applications in automotive parts due to improved material properties.

Negative

• None.

Applied to Product Transport Containers

KIYOSU, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:7282) has applied a cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-reinforced plastic it developed for interior and exterior automotive products to make lightweight containers. These containers are used in one of its manufacturing plants from September. The company will accumulate records on usage of the material with a view toward future application of it to automotive parts.

Containers being used in company plant (Photo: Business Wire)

As one part of its efforts to reduce CO₂ in the lifecycle of automotive parts, Toyoda Gosei is utilizing its strengths in materials technology to incorporate various biomaterials such as CNF, a plant-based material with one-fifth the weight and five times the strength of steel. CNF-reinforced plastic is a beneficial material for the aims of decarbonization and a recycling society; when CNF is mixed into plastic as a reinforcing material, it makes automotive parts lighter in weight and easier to recycle. The decline in impact resistance when CNF was mixed into the general plastic (polypropylene) used in automotive interiors was an issue. The company leveraged its material mixing design and kneading technology and succeeded in raising the impact resistance to a level suitable for use in automotive parts.

Toyoda Gosei mixed CNF-reinforced plastic with recycled material from old polypropylene containers that were no longer in use to make containers that were 6% lighter in weight. Compared with the previous containers, CO₂ will be reduced by 6% over the entire lifecycle.^*
* The trial calculations were made assuming the containers will be used in product transport for four years

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220919005887/en/

Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.

Contact: Public Relations

Chihiro Suzuki

inquiry@mlist.toyoda-gosei.co.jp

Source: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd

FAQ

What new material has Toyoda Gosei developed for containers?

Toyoda Gosei has developed a cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-reinforced plastic for lightweight product transport containers.

How much lighter are the new containers compared to previous models?

The new containers are 6% lighter than the previous models.

What is the expected reduction in CO2 emissions from the new containers?

The new containers are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 6% over their entire lifecycle.

When did Toyoda Gosei start using the new containers?

Toyoda Gosei began using the new containers in September.

What are the benefits of CNF-reinforced plastic in automotive parts?

CNF-reinforced plastic is lighter, stronger, and facilitates easier recycling, contributing to decarbonization efforts.