Consumer Electronics PLA
Consumer Electronics PLA for Consumer Electronics One of the most concrete signs that the bioplastics industry is maturing is that the supply chain – from resin producer through additives suppliers, compounders, and converters – has a vested interest in the success of this emerging industry. These companies invest in research and development, collaborate on new projects, and basically taken the grades of resins available and do new things with them. This is particularly true in durable product applications. Furthermore, the appreciation of the value of bioplastics is changing. When these new materials first came onto the market, many in the downstream market saw their biodegradability as the key feature - Bioplastics helped answer the waste issue. As the reality of global climate change became more accepted along with the fact that oil fields really are reaching maximum capacity, the market has begun to better appreciate bioplastics’ renewable origins. The strands of more involvement in the supply chain, new applications, and emphasis on smaller carbon footprint products are bringing market recognition to the all dimensions of the bioplastics value proposition. In the consumer electronics examples that follow, the chief motivators for the incorporation of Ingeo bioplastics were both smaller carbon footprint and excellent performance characteristics. Each application depended on its success for additives, blends, and the expertise of the supply chain. Canon Canon engages in the development, manufacture, and sale of a growing line-up of copying machines, printers, cameras, optical and other products that meet a diverse range of customer needs. Canon continues to promote activities that contribute to the environment and society in order to pursue the corporate philosophy of ‘Kyosei’ – living and working together harmoniously for the future. Canon believes true global corporations should be responsible for the impact of their activities on the society and the environment. Canon used Ingeo on the exterior of their new color multifunction office systems ‘imageRUNNER ADVANCE’. The PLA based material is introduced in three series and twelve models. According to Canon, the material achieved the highest level of world standard on flame resistance. This innovation has been made possible with collaborative development efforts between Canon and Toray, which established a new material design and formation technology. www.natureworksllc.com www.canon.com www.toray.com www.fujitsu.com www.nec.com www.bioserie.com 28 bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/10] Vol. 5
Consumer Electronics With the adoption of plant-based plastics, Canon expects to reduce CO 2 emissions during production by 20% compared to petroleum derived plastics used for the existing color multifunction office systems. Canon strives to provide responsible solutions to mitigate the environmental burden and impact of global warming. Fujitsu Fujitsu is a leading provider of IT-based business solutions for the global marketplace. With approximately 175,000 employees supporting customers in 70 countries, Fujitsu combines a worldwide team with highly reliable computing and communications products and advanced microelectronics to deliver added value to customers. Fujitsu used plant-based Ingeo PLA materials in large parts of the product body in their NW series, MT series and R series electronics. Ingeo bioplastic helps to cut down the burden on the environment with the reduced usage of fossil material and reduced carbon dioxide emission during production. NEC NEC Corporation is a world leading provider of internet, broadband network, and enterprise business solutions dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of a diversified global base of customers. NEC delivers tailored solutions in the key field of computer, networking, and electronic devices by integrating its technical strengths in IT and networks, and by providing advanced semiconductor solutions through NEC Electronics Corporation. Developed by NEC, the ‘Nucycle’ plant-based formulation illustrates the NEC group’s unique material development technology and capabilities. Nucycle significantly expands the application of Ingeo PLA into products where performance features such as durability, safety, and high levels of flame retardancy are of paramount importance. Life cycle analysis demonstrates that ‘Nucycle’, with high bio-based (~75 %) offers significant carbon footprint reduction, lowering CO 2 emissions about 50% compared to the petroleum-based polycarbonate/ABS blends used in the past. With the development of Nucycle, the NEC group plans broad commercial implementation across its PC business in 2010. Future NEC group focus is on actively promoting and supporting progress toward non food based cellulosic feedstocks. bioserie Last February, bioserie launched the first bioplastics cover for the iPhone. Now the company, using a unique Ingeo blend, offers semi-durable covers for the iPhone 4, iPod, and iPad. Bioserie notes its successful research and development effort is based solidly on the support from both converter and resin supplier NatureWorks. MT bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/10] Vol. 5 29
