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The castor seed-derived feedstock makes for a 27 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared with general-purpose polyurethane foam.

Stephen Moore

August 5, 2019

1 Min Read
Bio-polyol adopted in Japanese self-driving vehicle

A bio-based polyol supplied by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. via its Korean joint venture Mitsui Chemicals & SKC Polyurethanes Inc. (MCNS) has been adopted as a raw material for polyurethane cushioning in the seats of the Robocar Walk self-driving car sold by Japan’s ZMP Inc. The Robocar Walk is said to represent a new concept for self-driving mobility and a partner in how people transport themselves moving forward.

 

MCNS uses castor seeds—non-edible plant matter that does not compete with food sources—in creating its Econykol. This then serves as a raw material for a polyurethane product on a positive list that serves as the basis for BiomassPla certification (overseen by the Japan BioPlastics Association).

Polyurethane foam using Econykol is already finding increasing use in cushion materials for automotive seats and furniture. Now, MCNS is also supplying Econykol as a raw material for seat cushions in ZMP’s Robocar Walk, making for a 27 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared with general-purpose polyurethane foam.

“ZMP has worked to create robotics using designs that resonate with people,” ZMP CEO Taniguchi said. “Further here, we think it’s essential to make use of materials that are both people-friendly and environment-friendly. By adopting Econykol, we’re able to create robotics that are both people-friendly and eco-friendly – making it possible to provide even more value to our customers.”

Econykol is manufactured by Vithal Castor Polyols Pvt. Ltd. (Mumbai, India), a JV established in 2013 in India – the world’s largest source of castor beans – and owned 50 percent by Jayant Agro-Organics Ltd., 40 percent by MCNS and 10 percent by Itoh Oil Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Mobility device employs caster seed-based polyol in its polyurethane seat cushioning.

About the Author(s)

Stephen Moore

Stephen has been with PlasticsToday and its preceding publications Modern Plastics and Injection Molding since 1992, throughout this time based in the Asia Pacific region, including stints in Japan, Australia, and his current location Singapore. His current beat focuses on automotive. Stephen is an avid folding bicycle rider, often taking his bike on overseas business trips, and is a proud dachshund owner.

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