#Japan #Tokyo #CIC Institute #TBM #LIMEX Sheet

CIC Institute's Global CityTech Bridge

CIC Institute, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has successfully implemented a project under the program "Global CityTech Bridge", commissioned by the Tokyo metropolitan government. This initiative aims to create clusters that foster global innovation through collaboration with startups. The project achieved significant milestones by supporting the social implementation of various innovative solutions.

One of the standout accomplishments was the integration of "LIMEX Sheet", an eco-friendly material developed by TBM Inc., into the service brochures of all Green cars on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen. The high durability of LIMEX Sheet has led to a reduction in replacement frequency, confirming its suitability for public transport applications. As a result, all printed materials on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen Green cars will now utilize this innovative technology.

The project underscores the role of startups in advancing cutting-edge technologies beyond mere demonstrations, embedding them into large-scale urban infrastructure and passenger services. Through the Global CityTech Bridge, CIC Institute is committed to linking social implementation partners with innovative startups to address urban challenges and promote sustainable business operations.

Project Overview

Starting March 2025, the implementation of LIMEX Sheet will serve as a crucial step in diminishing the environmental impact generated by passenger services and transportation. The TBM-developed LIMEX Sheet not only reduces the need for wood pulp as a raw material but also significantly cuts water usage during production by approximately 94%.

Data from recent trials showed that, over repetitive use, around 40% of traditional laminated paper brochures required replacement due to wear and tear. In contrast, brochures made from LIMEX Sheet saw a mere 5% rate of necessitated replacement within the same timeframe. This remarkable durability has led to a decision to fully integrate LIMEX Sheet across all Green cars.

The Impact of Social Implementation

The transition to LIMEX Sheet exemplifies a broader shift in sustainable practices within the transportation sector. The benefits include not only environmental conservation through reduced resource consumption but also enhanced operational efficiency for staff due to the decreased need for frequent replacements.

TBM is eager to leverage insights gained from this experiment to further promote LIMEX Sheet in the transportation sector, collaborating with JR Central and other companies to tackle environmental issues within passenger services and transport infrastructure.

About TBM Inc.

TBM Inc. focuses on developing environmentally-conscious products such as LIMEX Sheet, which has been validated for its environmental performance as well as its durability through this initiative. TBM intends to continue supporting JR Central and other transportation stakeholders in implementing solutions that are both sustainable and efficient for passenger services.

Collaboration with JR Central

In discussions with JR Central, the company acknowledged the challenges faced in maintaining service brochures that frequently deteriorated due to handling by passengers. The adoption of LIMEX Sheet was proposed as a viable alternative, demonstrating its durability through extensive real-world testing. As a result, the upcoming full-scale implementation is a testament to the successful partnership fostered by this project.

Moving forward, JR Central aims to enhance service levels by collaborating with a variety of enterprises through projects like Global CityTech Bridge.

About Global CityTech Bridge

"Global CityTech Bridge" aims to create a sustainable urban technology landscape, focusing on social implementation alongside CIC Institute and Shimizu Corporation. Collaborating with major corporations and municipalities, this program strives to integrate innovative solutions in areas like smart cities, mobility, energy efficiency, and disaster resilience within Tokyo, thereby setting a precedent for global expansion.

Find more about Global CityTech Bridge here.

Future Opportunities

The project is ongoing, and interested companies and startups are encouraged to connect with the organizers. This initiative continues to look for innovative partners committed to solving urban challenges, enhancing the ecosystem for startups in Tokyo.

More information about participation can be found here.