100% Natural Pavement Material Wins Minister's Award at 10th Eco-Products Awards

Japan's Eco-Products Awards Promotion Council announced on Nov. 26, 2013, the results of the 10th Eco-Products Awards. The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Prize was awarded for a simplified pavement material made of 100% natural materials, which was produced by Nippon Kanryu Industry Co. The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Prize was given to Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems' environmentally friendly, energy-saving elevators. The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Prize went to a project to shift to an eco-town that is energy self-sufficient, while the Minister of the Environment Prize went to Meiji Company's Agroforestry Chocolate.

Nippon Kanryu Industry sells simplified pavement materials derived from 100% natural materials. The pavement material is characterized by using seawater bittern as a solidification substance and recycled bamboo fibers as reinforcing material, whereas conventional pavement materials use cement, synthetic resin and colorants. The use of solely natural materials, the achievement of a heat island mitigation effect, and other environmentally friendly practices factored into Nippon Kanryu Industry winning the prize.

Toshiba Elevator was rated highly for its energy-saving efforts including a regenerative power function for recapturing power when braking, the use of LED lighting, and reducing power consumption during standby. As a result, the new elevator reduces power consumption by up to 50% compared with conventional models.