It’s been a while since my trip to Japan and South Korea earlier this year, but I’m excited to share some of the incredible sustainable material solutions I discovered with my CMF community!

You may recall that I previously highlighted sustainable materials from Première Vision in Paris and InnoTech Expo in Taipei. If you missed those reports, be sure to take a closer look:
➡️ Sustainable CMF Report from Première Vision Paris
➡️ Sustainable CMF Report from InnoTech Expo

It’s truly inspiring to see the global push towards sustainability, from the West to the East and beyond. This time, I’ll be diving into both sustainable materials and sustainable manufacturing in Japan and Korea. Join me and continue our journey toward a more sustainable future!

Wood-Made Future Car

Introducing a concept car developed by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, featuring a plant-derived material they named as “CNF.” CNF (cellulose nanofiber) is a plant-based material known for its strength and rigidity, weighing just one-fifth as much as steel.

Various parts of this car incorporate CNF or CNF-composites combined with other materials. CNF can be processed using hot press molding, and when combined with other materials, it can be shaped through methods such as injection molding, blow molding, injection compression molding, and even 3D printing.

This is just the beginning. Starting with this concept, the Ministry aims to promote sustainable design and showcase CNF’s potential across industries like automotive, home appliances, and construction.

Download report for full content: Sustainable CMF Report from Korea & Japan

Egg Shell Composite Plastic

Can you guess what this material is? Well, even though it’s mentioned in the title, it might still surprise you!

This plastic composite combines egg shells with polystyrene, including recycled polystyrene. The main aim is to cut down on carbon emissions and reduce the use of chemical-based plastics.

By repurposing egg shell waste, this material helps lessen the amount of waste produced. Although it still contains some plastic (polystyrene) at present, it offers a glimpse into a more sustainable future for industries. In this case, particularly in food and beverages.

Download report for full content: Sustainable CMF Report from Korea & Japan

Wood-Based Plastic Composite

Here’s another exciting example of the future of more sustainable plastics: Quon introduced by Mitsui Chemicals, a wood-based composite combined with polypropylene plastic.

What’s unique about this plastic composite is its color purity and material strength – qualities that can often be tricky for typical sustainable materials.

Quon’s white base allows it to be easily colored in various shades during production. And the strong bonding between the composite ingredients makes it a durable option, overcoming some of the challenges faced by many sustainable materials.

Fun Fact: Mitsui Chemicals named it “CMF,” but it’s not the same CMF we’re familiar with (color, material, finish).

Download report for full content: Sustainable CMF Report from Korea & Japan

Recycled Post-Industrial Plastics

Thanks to our collective efforts towards a more sustainable future, recycling plastics has become a well-known and effective solution.

While recycling post-consumer plastics is still important, but we need to know that a significant portion of plastic waste actually comes from industrial processes. For that reason, manufacturers around the world are increasingly focused on repurposing plastic waste from their operations for use in new products.

For example, Eiwa transforms this recycled material into versatile product opportunities like board panels and thin films. Can you think of creative ways to use these materials in your own designs? Let’s get creative!

Download report for full content: Sustainable CMF Report from Korea & Japan

Sustainable Manufacturing

Finding sustainable materials is just one part of the equation; the other is partnering with manufacturers who can turn these materials into real products.

They act as a consultancy, working closely with designers from client companies to develop manufacturable solutions for clients’ design concepts.

Beyond their extensive manufacturing capabilities, Hida Lab is committed to using sustainable materials. They’ve been exploring bioplastics made from wood, coffee grounds, and sea shells, and use these to manufacturer products in various colors and styles.

Download report for full content: Sustainable CMF Report from Korea & Japan

Download Sustainable CMF Report from Korea & Japan