#Japan #Tokyo #Kaneka #Mizuno #Green Planet

Introduction

In an exciting collaboration, Kaneka Corporation and Mizuno Corporation have developed an innovative indoor sports turf made from Green Planet®, a unique biodegradable biopolymer. This development marks a significant step towards sustainability in the sports industry by blending Mizuno's expertise in artificial turf technology with Kaneka's advanced material processing capabilities.

The Green Planet® Biopolymer

Kaneka's Green Planet is a 100% biomass-derived biodegradable polymer that doesn't rely on fossil fuels. It offers an environmentally friendly solution, breaking down easily into water and CO2 not just in soil but also in seawater. This characteristic can play a vital role in addressing the global issue of marine pollution caused by plastics.

The Problem with Traditional Artificial Turf

One of the major drawbacks of traditional artificial turf is its propensity to wear down, unintentionally leading to microplastics entering marine environments. In Japan alone, estimates suggest that 240 tons of artificial turf fibers and between 540 and 2,700 tons of infill materials leak into the ocean annually. These microplastics pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, contributing to pollution and harmful environmental impacts.

Advantages of the New Turf

By using Green Planet for the turf and infill materials, the newly developed product effectively addresses these concerns. If this turf ends up in the ocean, it breaks down into harmless substances, thus mitigating the issue of microplastic pollution. Moreover, since Green Planet is biomass-based, it significantly lowers CO2 emissions compared to conventional, petroleum-derived artificial turf materials. Mizuno's turf still maintains robust sports performance comparable to existing products, ensuring athletes have a high-quality playing surface while benefiting the environment.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

Kaneka embraces the philosophy of “Wellness First,” striving to create solutions that promote health and well-being globally. By integrating proprietary polymer and biotechnology in product development, Kaneka is committed to popularizing Green Planet worldwide. This initiative aims not only to revolutionize the sports turf industry but also to contribute to the creation of a sustainable society.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Kaneka and Mizuno symbolizes a significant milestone in achieving eco-friendly sports technologies. With the Green Planet® biopolymer, both companies are setting a new standard for the industry, proving that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand. As the world increasingly faces environmental challenges, innovations like this pave the way for a healthier planet and inspire future generations to value sustainability in sports and beyond.