#Japan #Tokyo #Cemedine #LOOPGLUE #we+

In a significant move towards sustainability in the adhesive industry, Cemedine Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has partnered with the contemporary design studio we+ and Hakuten Co., Ltd. to develop LOOPGLUE, an innovative adhesive made from sodium alginate derived from seaweed. This new product stands out not only for its strong bonding capabilities but also for its remarkable property of being easily removed with water.

Background of the Development

The challenge faced at exhibitions and similar events has been the difficulty in removing wallpaper from wooden structures after use. This often leads to significant labor and quality issues when attempting to reuse wooden surfaces. In response, the collaborative research project spearheaded by we+ and Hakuten, which aims to promote resource circulation in events, began exploring the potential of utilizing seaweed. The findings pointed towards the use of "sodium alginate" extracted from mozuku seaweed. Cemedine joined this project and applied its extensive expertise in adhesive technology to create LOOPGLUE, a product that not only reuses 100% natural, seaweed-based materials but also allows for easy removal of the adhesive after use.

LOOPGLUE addresses these challenges by facilitating efficient reuse of exhibition materials, marking a departure from the traditional single-use model prevalent in display environments.

Key Features of LOOPGLUE

• - Superior Removability: LOOPGLUE can be easily dissolved and removed by soaking in water, significantly contributing to resource recycling. With its environmentally friendly design, it allows for effortless reuse of materials, ensuring that remnants of wallpaper do not cling to wooden panels, thereby preserving their quality and integrity for future uses.
• - Cost Savings: The use of LOOPGLUE is estimated to reduce the material procurement costs for wooden panel displays by approximately 15%. Additionally, the structural design of displays can now be implemented in a way that allows for disassembly, further facilitating reuse.
• - Safety and Eco-Friendliness: LOOPGLUE is free from harmful solvents, making it a safe choice even in educational settings. This water-based adhesive promotes an environmentally responsible approach without sacrificing quality.

Performance Testing

In terms of bonding strength, LOOPGLUE matches or exceeds traditional wall coverings and adhesive performance, demonstrating robust shear adhesion capabilities even under varying environmental conditions. Comprehensive testing has been conducted under standardized conditions, confirming its effectiveness and reliability for everyday use.

Environmental Impact

Cemedine is committed to sustainability, sourcing its seaweed materials responsibly. The seaweed for LOOPGLUE is collected from beaches in Chile, ensuring it contributes positively to local ecosystems by only harvesting matured seaweed that has reached the end of its natural life cycle. This not only supports the creation of local jobs but also minimizes ecological disruption.

Product Specifications

• - Name: LOOPGLUE 20 kg (in cardboard bags)
• - Main Component: Sodium Alginate
• - Appearance: Pale yellow semi-transparent liquid
• - Main Uses: Wall display installations, with excellent workability in various climates and environments, providing reliable performance across different materials including wood, wallpaper, and more.

Cemedine, with the mission "to adhere brings value," continues to deliver innovative solutions across various industries, contributing to advancements in both design and application of adhesives. Furthermore, their commitment to fostering the next generation of engineers through educational sponsorships underlines their dedication to the future of manufacturing.

By redefining adhesive applications with LOOPGLUE, Cemedine and its partners are not only addressing practical challenges but are also paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient use of resources in the display industry.