#Japan #Tokyo #NOK Corporation #Hydrogen Society #Sustainable Sealing

Advancements in Sealing Technologies for Hydrogen Society

On May 12, 2026, NOK Corporation, a leader in sealing materials, hosted an international symposium titled "Sustainable Sealing Materials for Hydrogen" in collaboration with the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Kyushu University, and the Freudenberg Group. This hybrid event attracted 75 experts from both domestic and international sectors, including approximately 21 participants from Japan.

The symposium focused on the outcomes of the international joint research project named "Sustainable and Hydrogen-Compatible Sealing Materials for Safe H₂ Supply Networks" (abbreviated as SusSeal4H2). This initiative aims to realize a hydrogen society by enhancing tribological technologies and developing next-generation sealing materials that meet market needs.

NOK presented significant findings related to sealing materials tailored for hydrogen infrastructure, lifecycle assessment (LCA) evaluations, and the current sustainability efforts in Japan's rubber industry. A key takeaway from the discussions was the observation that investments in environmental responsiveness by raw material manufacturers tend to remain focused on tire applications. Consequently, the development and distribution of specialty rubber, crucial for hydrogen infrastructure, showed some delays. Nevertheless, many shared technological challenges across rubber products emerged. The collaborative efforts led by sealing manufacturers like those involved in SusSeal4H2 are vital for accelerating sustainability throughout the industry.

Key Presentations and Outcomes

During the symposium, various themes were addressed, including future prospects for hydrogen infrastructure, market demands, sealing material development, and tribological property evaluations in hydrogen environments. NOK made two key presentations that highlighted their contributions to sustainable materials development supporting the future hydrogen society:

1. Development of Sustainable Sealing Materials Compatible with Hydrogen and Environmental Impact Assessments

Presented by Ayako Aoyagi, R&D Department of Tribology, NOK Group, this talk detailed the creation of a comprehensive characteristics map for various rubber and resin materials to withstand harsh hydrogen environments, while ensuring minimal environmental impact. This map allows for the efficient design of optimal materials and manufacturing processes for sealing materials used in hydrogen infrastructure. Notably, through LCA assessment, NOK identified major CO2 emissions sources during production, paving the way for specific CO2 reduction strategies and lowering environmental loads across the entire hydrogen supply chain.

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

Presented by Takuya Aoki, R&D Department of Tribology, NOK Group, this presentation utilized survey data to highlight that while innovative recycling and biomass initiatives are advancing in Japan's automotive tire industry, technical and legal challenges remain in establishing recycling frameworks for non-tire products like seals. By showcasing examples of long-lasting and recyclable sealing material technologies, NOK aims to elucidate pathways to reduce environmental burdens in the specialty rubber sector. Furthermore, the importance of international collaborations among industry, academia, and government in enhancing sustainability within the rubber industry was underscored.

Background and Objectives of the Symposium

As Japan aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, there is an urgent need for advanced sealing technologies that can endure extreme temperatures and high pressures across all stages of the hydrogen supply chain: production, storage, transportation, and utilization. This symposium was organized to widely disseminate research outcomes on next-generation sustainable sealing materials and foster global discussions.

With insights gained from this project and symposium, NOK Corporation will continue to prioritize research and technological advancements in hydrogen sealing areas, contributing significantly to achieving carbon neutrality.

About NOK Corporation

NOK Group is committed to "Essential Core Manufacturing," focusing on creating essential products that support safety and comfort in society. With around 38,000 employees across 15 countries, NOK's operations are built on extensive foundational research, enabling high-quality, stable mass production. Their technologies and products serve diverse industries, including automotive, electronics, healthcare, industrial robotics, and more.