Sumitomo Riko Co. Ltd. (TYO:5191) has established a new division for the pursuit of carbon neutrality. As the trend toward carbon neutrality speeds up around the world, the major rubber auto parts manufacturer intends to reduce its in-house greenhouse gas emissions – including those of CO2 – by 30 percent over fiscal 2018–2030. Aims are to then reach carbon neutrality...
Innovation

Asahi Rubber Develops CNT-Filled Silicone Rubber Composite Alongside GSI Creos
Rubber manufacturer Asahi Rubber Inc. has worked with a partner to develop silicone rubber with cup-stacked carbon nanotubes (CSCNTs) dispersed throughout, creating a material that combines high conductivity with optimal hardness. Following a long period of demonstration testing, the new material is set to be used in auto parts that remain usable even under harsh outdoor conditions, and will start...
Goodyear Develops Tire Made From 70% Sustainable Materials
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has utilized innovative technology to develop a tire made 70 percent from sustainable raw materials. The company’s efforts here have seen it employ 13 sustainable materials across nine different tire components. One component targeted here was carbon black, which is included in tires to reinforce compounds and extend tire life span. Conventionally, this has been...
Goodyear Provides Airless Tire Technology for Autonomous Delivery Robots
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has developed and begun testing airless tire technology for use in autonomous robotic vehicles created by Starship Technologies Inc. A venture company funded by Goodyear Ventures, Starship Technologies is focused on development and network management for autonomous robotic vehicles to be used in the likes of home deliveries and food delivery. With this latest effort,...
Bando Chemical Launches New Device to Monitor Swallowing Habits
Bando Chemical Industries Ltd. (TYO:5195) launched sales last month for B4S, a health care device in the form of a swallowing monitor that utilizes the company’s proprietary C-Stretch stretchable strain sensor. The new product is able to easily perceive throat movement: the B4S device is pressed against the throat, with its embedded C-Stretch stretchable strain sensor then perceiving throat movement...
Toyoda Gosei Develops New Airbag to Protect Pedestrians
Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. (TYO:7282) has developed what has been dubbed a “pedestrian protection airbag,” which serves to protect the head of any pedestrian hit by a fitted vehicle. This marks the company’s first entry into the field of airbags aimed at protecting pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. The highest mortality rate among Japanese traffic accidents is seen in...