Commercialization of “PLAiR (a foamed PLA sheet)” “Utilization as a cushioning material”
[Company / organization] RICOH Company, Ltd.
Date started
Ricoh's has developed a foamed PLA sheet that is flexible and strong using its proprietary technologies in November 2020. A new material, made from plants and air, we name it “PLAiR.”
We started using it as a part of the cushioning material for MFPs to be launched in June 2021.
Technology and business model
PLA has excellent ecological benefits, including carbon neutrality and compostability. Burning PLA does not increase the net amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, and PLA degrades into water and CO2 in a particular environments, such as soil or compost. Despite these advantages, PLA has not gained market popularity because it is generally hard to shape and is more costly than fossil-derived plastics.
Ricoh's has developed a foamed PLA sheet that is flexible and strong using its proprietary technologies. The sheet has a wide range of applications, including cushioning and packing material or various container types.
The foamed PLA sheets will benefit branded product owners by freely using biomass plastic in various scenarios. Through environment business, brand owners will garner trust for ESG investments and contribute to society.
Ricoh's foamed PLA sheets are much more flexible and stronger than conventional PLA and will give material processor owners a greater security sense as they expand their businesses.
Sales situation
We started using it as a part of the cushioning material for MFPs to be launched in Japan from June 2021.
The effects of global warming are visible as worldwide climate changes, and the
industrial sector urgently needs to produce and spread alternatives to fossil-derived plastic.
In Ricoh's vision, tenderness is the bridge to the future. We are committed to making a zero-carbon, circular economy becomes a reality, where everyone feels secure in using any material around them. We will continue to deliver new environment-conscious materials.
As shown in the attached image, by displaying “PLAiR Collection Required ” in Japanese,we will collect PLAiR and regenerate it as “PLAiR.
URL
- Reduce
- Recycle
- Renewable
- Design
- End-of-use
- Plastics
- Individual company
- Initiatives for the future
- Case/initiative by individual company
