#Japan #Osaka #Eco Crystal Cup #Nanocellulose #Tokyo Seikan

Innovative Showcase of the New Eco Crystal Cup

At the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, taking place from June 10 to June 16, a revolutionary product is set to make waves in the world of packaging: the New Eco Crystal Cup. Developed by the Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, this cup utilizes cutting-edge cellulose nano-crystal (CNC) technology, which boasts exceptional oxygen barrier properties. This initiative aims to highlight the sustainable future of packaging through innovative materials.

What is the New Eco Crystal Cup?

The New Eco Crystal Cup is made from CNC, the first of its kind in Japan to combine high functionality with eco-friendliness. This oxygen-barrier paper cup showcases a perfect merger of technologies from Toyo Seikan and its consolidated subsidiary, Toyo Can Kogyo. Through groundbreaking barrier coating techniques using CNC, this cup significantly reduces the use of plastics traditionally employed in barrier applications. The effective gas barrier not only maintains the freshness and aroma of its contents but also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Three different cup samples are on display, designed for coffee, yogurt, and popcorn, inviting visitors to visualize their potential applications.

Understanding the Technology Behind CNC

Cellulose nano-crystals are tiny crystalline structures extracted from the crystalline parts of cellulose microfibrils, ranging from 3 to 50 nanometers in diameter and 100 nanometers to several micrometers in length. Compared to cellulose nano-fibers, CNCs have a smaller aspect ratio, making them particularly suitable for barrier applications.

The exhibition will feature a desktop birefringence observation device that allows visitors to experience the unique angular behavior of CNC. By observing a CNC dispersion while agitating it, the color and light changes resemble an aurora, demonstrating how this liquid-like substance aligns itself to create a dense structure that affects light transmission and refraction, leading to fascinating visual effects.

Exhibition Details

• - Duration: June 10 to June 16, 2025
• - Location: Future Life Village at Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025
• - Organizing Group: Nanocellulose Japan
• - Theme: “Wow, Wow, Wow, Nanocellulose”
• - Displayed Items: New Eco Crystal Cup samples, desktop birefringence observation device, and CNC/CNF solution samples.

The Future of Packaging

Toyo Seikan Group is dedicated to pursuing the development of fully biomass barrier paper containers, emphasizing the need for continual innovation in sustainable practices. Since its establishment in 1943, Toyo Can Kogyo has been at the forefront of providing a diverse array of packaging solutions using paper and plastic materials.

With a commitment to sustainability and harmony with nature, the group seeks to foster a lifestyle that meets societal needs while being environmentally conscious. The firm aims to embrace diversity and promote a culture of inclusion, creating packaging systems that enhance life quality and contribute to a sustainable society.

Corporate Vision

Set with a long-term management vision aimed at maximizing value for stakeholders while minimizing environmental impact, the Toyo Seikan Group's roadmap to 2050 envisions a world where everyone can enjoy safety, security, and prosperity. With approximately 20,000 employees across both domestic and international companies, the group's 2025 fiscal year consolidated sales are projected to reach ¥922.5 billion.

For further information about their commitment to innovation and sustainability, visit their websites: Toyo Seikan Group and Toyo Seikan Group Holdings.