World's First Biodegradable Fastener on Sale

Japan's YKK Corporation and Unitika Group have jointly developed the world's first 100-percent biodegradable "hook and loop fasteners" from vegetable-based polylactic acid. The companies announced plans to launch sales of the product in January 2003.

YKK Corporation is Japan's leading manufacturer of fastening products, whereas Unitika Group is a major player in polymers and advanced fiber materials.

The fastener is a tape clasp widely used in clothing, bags, head-rest covers of automobiles, and other industrial materials. Until now, fossil fuel-based synthetic fiber and resin were the only choice of material for conventional fasteners, which require advanced manufacturing and processing, and there were calls for the development of a more environment-friendly material.

The newly-developed fastener does not decompose under ordinary conditions, enabling long-term use. When disposed into compost after use, however, it starts deforming within a few days, turning into fertilizer in several weeks. When buried directly in the soil, it decomposes slowly over time, turning to soil in several years.

The companies plan to sell the material for use as fastening bands for electrical wiring, agriculture, and civil engineering. The demand is also high for disposable clothes, especially those used in hospitals and food processing facilities. The companies are aiming for total sales of 80 million yen (about U.S.$670,000) in the first year, 200 million yen (about U.S.$1.7million) in the second, and 500 million yen (about U.S.$4.2million) in the following year.

The main material of the product is biodegradable plastic, or polylactic acid resin, manufactured through the fermentation of starch extracted from vegetables such as corn.


http://www.unitika.co.jp/e/products/fbtx-bis/uniform/index.html

Posted: 2003/02/02 07:51:02 AM
Japanese version