#Japan #Tokyo #NOK Corporation #Hydrogen Society #SusSeal4H2

NOK Introduces Next-Generation Sealing Technology for Hydrogen Society

On May 12, 2026, NOK Corporation, a leading company based in Tokyo, collaborated with the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Kyushu University, and Freudenberg Group to host an international symposium titled "Sustainable Sealing Materials for Hydrogen". The event was held at the BAM venue in Berlin and also streamed online, attracting a total of 75 experts from various sectors related to hydrogen and sealing technology.

The symposium primarily focused on advancements from the international joint research project dubbed "Sustainable and Hydrogen-Compatible Sealing Materials for Safe H₂ Supply Networks" (abbreviated as SusSeal4H2). This project represents collaboration among Japan's and Germany's industry, academia, and government sectors. The event highlighted the importance of tribology technologies and next-generation sealing materials, discussing everything from market demands to academic evaluations.

As one of the event's organizers, NOK presented its developments in sealing materials designed for hydrogen infrastructure, their lifecycle assessment (LCA), and the current state of sustainability within Japan's rubber industry. A key discussion point that emerged was the disproportionate investment in environmental responses from material suppliers, which has primarily centered around tire applications, leaving essential sealing materials, crucial for hydrogen infrastructures, underdeveloped. Conversely, it was noted that many technical challenges common to rubber products exist irrespective of their application area. This insight led industry experts to conclude that the proactive participation of sealing manufacturers in efforts like SusSeal4H2 is significant for accelerating sustainability across the rubber industry.

With the knowledge gained from this project and symposium, NOK is committed to ongoing research and technical development in the hydrogen sealing field to help realize carbon neutrality.

Key Presentations and Outcomes

During the symposium, various themes related to next-generation sealing materials supporting hydrogen infrastructure were discussed, including future prospects, market needs, and tribological characterizations under hydrogen environments. NOK contributed two primary presentations that provided recommendations for improving sustainability in the industry:

1. Development of Sustainable Sealing Materials with Hydrogen Compatibility and Environmental Impact Assessment

(Presented by: Ayako Aoyagi, Tribology Research Division, R&D Department, NOK Group)
The presentation introduced a comprehensive characteristics map encompassing various rubber and resin materials, created to balance durability under harsh hydrogen conditions with minimal environmental impact. This map facilitates the efficient design of optimal materials and manufacturing processes for hydrogen infrastructure seals. The LCA assessment identified key CO2 emission factors in the manufacturing process, enabling specific CO2 reduction strategies from the material manufacturing stage, contributing to the overall environmental burden reduction in the hydrogen supply chain.

2. Current Status and Future Prospects of Sustainability Activities in Japan's Rubber Industry

(Presented by: Takuya Aoki, Tribology Research Division, R&D Department, NOK Group)
Based on domestic survey data, the presentation pointed out the advancements in recycling and biomass initiatives within Japan's automotive tire sector. In contrast, non-tire products, such as sealing materials, face existing technical and legal hurdles in developing recycling systems. By presenting examples of technologies that enable longer lifespan and recycling of sealing materials, Takuya Aoki highlighted the path forward for reducing environmental burdens within specialized rubber sectors. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of international collaborations among industry, academia, and the government as a means to enhance sustainability within the rubber industry.

Background and Purpose of the Symposium

As we strive towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, advanced sealing technologies capable of withstanding extreme cold and high-pressure environments are essential across all four stages of the hydrogen supply chain—production, storage, transportation, and usage. This symposium was organized to widely disseminate research outcomes related to sustainable sealing materials and to foster global discussions on these pressing issues.

About NOK Corporation

NOK Group embraces the philosophy of "Essential Core Manufacturing"—safeguarding safety and comfort that underpin a rich society. With approximately 38,000 employees across 15 countries and regions, NOK is engaged in product development based on foundational research, achieving high-quality, large-scale production. The company continuously provides technologies and products across diverse industries, including mobility, electronics, healthcare devices, industrial robots, and even satellites.