New ProductsCellulose Fiber Compounded GREEN CHIP CMF

Biomass compound resin containing wood-derived cellulose fiber, contributing to sustainability

The convenience of plastic
and the eco-friendliness of biomass

TOMOEGAWA's Approach to a Circular Economy
Reducing Environmental Impact through Carbon Neutrality

TOMOEGAWA was established in 1914 as a paper manufacturer.
Having always used wood-derived materials,
it was only natural that we would ask ourselves how we could make
more environmentally friendly products. Our concern for the environment led us to create a technology
for homogeneously dispersing cellulose fiber in petroleum-derived resin.

Forests absorb CO2 and release O2 as part of their growth process. If properly managed and cared for, they become a sustainable resource.
Our GREEN CHIP CMF contains 55% wood-derived cellulose fiber, significantly reducing the use of petroleum-derived plastics.

Added Value from Our Cellulose Fiber Formula

Reduced CO2 emissions throughout the process from resin manufacturing to incineration (compared to petroleum-derived plastics)

During the process from resin manufacturing to incineration, the CO2 emissions of GREEN CHIP CMF, containing 55% cellulose fiber, are expected to be reduced by approximately 35%*1 compared with petroleum-derived ABS resin and by approximately 20%*2 compared with petroleum-derived PP resin.

  • By our own calculations based on the Ministry of the Environment’s “FY2019 Project Report for the ‘Demonstration Project for Establishing a Plastic Resource Circulation System toward a Decarbonized Society’: Development and Application of Impact-Resistant Resin Made from All-Biomass Plastics” (Osaka University, 2020). [In Japanese].
    Japanese title: 『令和元年度「脱炭素社会を支えるプラスチック等資源循環システム構築実証事業」(オールバイオマスプラからなる耐衝撃性樹脂の開発と用途展開)委託業務成果報告書』.
  • By our own calculations based on the Ministry of the Environment’s “Guidelines for the Utilization and Application of Cellulose Nanofiber Towards the Decarbonization and Achievement of a Circular Economy” (March 2021).

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Comparison of CO2 Emissions from Manufacturing to Incineration

Comparison of CO2 Emissions from Manufacturing to Incineration
  • The data are measurements, not guaranteed values.

Building a Circular Economy through Recycling

GREEN CHIP CMF is a material that can be recycled through material recycling.
As part of our in-house testing, we evaluated test pieces that had been crushed and molded five times. Test results showed that the attenuation (damping) rate was superior to that of glass fiber compounds.*3

*3 Based on our in-house evaluation process

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GREEN CHIP CMF with Excellent Recyclability

GREEN CHIP CMF achieves superior recyclability compared to glass fiber-reinforced PP resin

  • GREEN CHIP CMF LB55 is a product containing 55% cellulose fiber.
  • The data are measurements, not guaranteed values.

Additional Role of Reinforcing Agent

Cellulose fiber also acts as a reinforcing material.
Tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus and heat resistance (load deflection temperature) are improved compared with unreinforced polypropylene resin (PP resin).
This makes it possible to make molded products thinner and, therefore, lighter, too.

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Improved Physical Properties by Compounding Cellulose Fiber

  • The data are measurements, not guaranteed values.

As a modifier for recycled resin

There are concerns about the decline in the physical properties of recycled resin. By adding GREEN CHIP CMF as a modifier, the physical properties can be improved, contributing to an increase in the use of recycled resin.
Increasing the addition of GREEN CHIP CMF further improves strength, flexural modulus, and load deflection temperature.

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Improved Physical Properties of Recycled PP Resin with GREEN CHIP CMF

By adding of 10% to 90% GREEN CHIP CMF LB55 (containing 55% cellulose fiber) to recycled PP resin

  • The data are measurements, not guaranteed values.
  • Recycled PP is sourced from materials collected through Japan’s Container and Packaging Recycling System
  • GREEN CHIP CMF is a product containing 55% cellulose fiber.

High MFR (Melt Flow Rate) for Easy Molding

No need to replace currently used molds

GREEN CHIP CMF delivers excellent moldability. Despite containing a high cellulose fiber content of 55%, it offers fluidity comparable to polypropylene.
This allows it to be adopted as a drop‑in alternative to petroleum‑based plastics using current molds. In addition, it exhibits minimal molding shrinkage and provides outstanding dimensional stability.

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Comparison of Fluidity of Wood-Derived Fiber Compounded Resins

GREEN CHIP CMF features superior fluidity among wood-derived fiber-compounded resins through proprietary technologies

  • The products of Companies A, B, and C use cellulose nanofiber and wood flour rather than cellulose microfibers, and thus differ in material composition. This difference may also affect the MFR values.
  • The numerical technical data for Companies A, B, and C is transcribed from information published on each company's official website. With regards to Company A, the detailed conditions for testing methods have not been disclosed, and it is possible that testing methods different from ours were used.

Designability that Spurs Creativity

Boasting a high degree of designability that allows the creation of unique textures depending on molding conditions,
and being compatible with color processing, GREEN CHIP CMF makes it possible to create patterns and textures
that are not possible with conventional polypropylene resins.
Moreover, while it is generally difficult to print on olefin resins, GREEN CHIP CMF can be directly printed onto finished products.

- Flexible coloring and delicate hues
- Thin wall molding also possible

- Unique textures can be created on the surface of products depending on molding conditions
- Printing on the surface of molded products is also possible.

Safety and Environmental Certifications

  • GREEN CHIP CMF has obtained the Biomass Mark in Japan and TUV AUSTRIA OK biobased certification in Europe.
  • It complies with Specifications and Standards for Foods, Food Additives, etc. (Ministry of Health and Welfare Notification No. 370, 1959)
  • It complies with Europe's COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No. 10/2011 of 14 January on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
  • Please verify the compliance of each molded product individually.

The Biomass Mark is acquired with the following details:
No. 200306: GREEN CHIP CMF pellets and molded products
No. 210204: Color molded products such as cutlery and tableware

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Meeting the Following Customer Needs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Considering the global environment, we want to reduce the amount of petroleum-derived resin that we use and are looking for plant-derived materials as an alternative to plastic.
GREEN CHIP CMF is a compound resin containing wood-derived cellulose fibers.
Our technology improves the cellulose fiber dispersibility and the resin flowability, allowing for a higher cellulose fiber content and reducing the amount of petroleum-derived resin used.

CNF, made by defibrating cellulose to nano-level size, is a pulp-derived reinforcing material. How is your product different?
CNF requires a large amount of energy to defibrate. GREEN CHIP CMF is made following a different manufacturing method, which allows for reduced costs and lower environmental impact.
It also boasts excellent injection moldability and high dispersibility of cellulose fibers, allowing for a higher compounding ratio.

What types are available?
Including grades currently under development, GREEN CHIP CMF is available in general injection grade (low odor type), high impact-resistance grade, PE grade, flame retardant grade, general extrusion grade, and more.
Please contact us about compounding it with resins other than polypropylene.

What are its heat and cold resistance temperatures?
Please contact us for the details.

Can it be used for food-grade plastic products?
We offer a general injection grade (low odor type) that complies with Specifications and Standards for Foods, Food Additives, etc. (Ministry of Health and Welfare Notification No. 370, 1959)

Please tell me about available formats.
It is generally supplied in pellets. We mass-produce 25 kg bags. Please contact us for samples.

Applications

Automotive parts, Home appliance parts, Food containers, Cutlery, Daily miscellaneous goods, Furniture, etc.

Actual Usage Examples

  • Nexera Series Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatographs by Shimadzu Corporation
  • "Mawal" Tableware by FP Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.
  • Mug Cups by Outdoor store SWEN (Encho Co., Ltd.)
  • "Nogakel" Tableware by FURUTA Kasei
  • Carton (Cash Trays) by various financial institutions
  • Chopsticks by MASUDA PLASTIC & CHEMICALS. INC.
  • Others: Construction materials / Decking materials (Extrusion molded products)

”Nexera Series” Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatograph featuring components made with GREEN CHIP CMF‑formulated resin
Shimadzu Corporation

Mawal

SWEN

Nogakel

Cash Tray

Bulding Materials

  • GREEN CHIP CMF is the product jointly developed with FP Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.

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