Bando Chemical Industries Ltd. (TYO:5195) and Tosoh Corp. (TYO:4042) have been selected to receive backing for a joint project of theirs from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). This comes as part of a NEDO initiative to develop cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-related technology capable of helping to achieve a carbon-recycling society. Set to run over fiscal 2020–2024, the...
Industry

Sumitomo Riko Eyes Launch for New Microfluidic Device Developed With Lilac Pharma
Sumitomo Riko Co. Ltd. (TYO:5191) recently announced that it has jointly developed a new microfluidic device in conjunction with Lilac Pharma Inc., a pharmaceutical venture from Hokkaido University. Plans are to begin pre-orders this winter for the new device, which is used to manufacture lipid nanoparticles. The microfluidic device consists of two primary components: a microfluidic chip for creating the...
Sumitomo Riko to Transfer Two Anti-Vibration Rubber Subsidiaries
Sumitomo Riko Co. Ltd. (TYO:5191) has decided to transfer all shares in two consolidated French subsidiaries to Anvis Holding SAS, having voted on this at a board of directors meeting on July 31. These subsidiaries are SumiRiko Industry France SAS (SRK-INF), which produces and sells anti-vibration rubber products for railroads, and SumiRiko AVS France SAS (SRK-EPF), which produces and sells...
Survey: Rubber Product Manufacturers Voice Concern and Uncertainty Over Economic Trends
Japan Rubber Weekly recently sent a survey regarding current economic conditions to 156 domestic manufacturers of rubber and plastic products. Responses were received from 102 of these companies, helping to quantify expectations for the industry’s economic outlook. In an earlier survey conducted this January, the major concern was sluggish performance in demand industries on account of the U.S.–China trade war,...
METI Sheds Light on Japan’s Withdrawal From IRSG
As previously reported, Japan left the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) on June 30. Responding to a comment request from Japan Rubber Weekly, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) explained the withdrawal by stating that while Japan recognizes the importance of the IRSG’s activities, the government determined that its own participation in the group was not strictly essential....
JSSI Study Finds Japan to Have 4,755 Large Earthquake-Resistant Buildings
The Japan Society for Seismic Isolation (JSSI) recently revealed the results of an annual study into the number of earthquake-resistant buildings in Japan. This came as part of an overview of the society’s activities for fiscal 2020. According to the results of the study, Japan has 4,755 large buildings with seismic isolation technology as of the end of 2018, with...