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Bioplastics for Electronic Equipment

Commercialization and further development

As introduced above, we were able to achieve properties unattainable in conventional bioplastics窶蚤 high ratio of plant-based additives along with functionality needed for electronic devices-- with the plant-based bioplastic (poly-lactic acid composite) that we developed. We then used this material in commercial products such as NEC personal computers (La Vie TW and Versa Pro), dummy cards, and cell phones (FOMA-N701iECO). We further developed a safe, original flame retardant technology, and we succeeded in developing for practical use a flame-retardant bioplastic NucycleTM. Nucycle is one of the most environmentally friendly flame retardant bioplastic in the world and is composed of more than 75 percent plant-based material. Then in January 2010, we used Nucycle in our line of eco-friendly business personal computers.

We have also developed bioplastic that has new recyclable and shape memory functions, and this technology holds great potential. With it we may be able to creat new products such as wearable devices. We have continued to challenge the development of bioplastics with other new functions besides these and have succeeded in developing a bioplastic with thermal radiation and diffusivity comparable (greater than stainless steel) to metals. This new material will contribute to making thin and small mainstream electronic devices that are better able to diffuse heat and thus unharmful to the environment. With this goal in mind, we are going forward with our research and development to make possible practical use of this bioplastic in the near future.

At NEC, we plan in the future to switch proactively from the petroleum based plastics we use now to these new bioplastics. Currently we have been using crops that have become old and are used for livestock feed, but we are developing a new technology that will make it possible in the future to use only those parts of the plant that cannot be used, eaten, etc. (achieving a zero loss). For the remaining plastic that we use, we have been further expanding the proportion of ‘Ecopolyca’, which is an original flame-retardant, environmentally friendly plastic developed by NEC.

At NEC we will continue to expand our line-up and development of eco-products that use this type of original, environmentally friendly material. We will also expand and develop other environmentally responsible technologies such as those that reduce power consumption in electronic goods.