News Release
HighChem Collaborates with Nippon Copack to Innovate Retail Essentials Using Biodegradable Plastics
On February 1st, HighChem Company Limited (Head office: Minato Minato-ku, Tokyo President and CEO: Ushio Taka hereinafter referred to as HighChem) concluded a basic strategic partnership agreement with Nippon Copack Inc. (Head office: Taito-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Saito Muneto hereinafter referred to as Nippon Copack), Japan's largest hanger manufacturer, to develop applications for store fixtures, and logistics equipment such as hangers made from biodegradable plastics.
In anticipation of the "Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Law" set to take effect in April 2022, HighChem has initiated the market development for biodegradable plastic retail supplies, including hangers, garment covers, and shopping bags tailored for both apparel and e-commerce sectors. This move aims to establish a comprehensive one-stop solution that addresses the sustainable fashion needs of apparel companies, positioning HighChem as a leader in environmentally responsible retail innovations.
The “Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Act” will come into effect from April 2022.
“Hangers” and “clothing covers” are eligible items!
From April 2022, the "Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Act" will be enforced with the aim of reducing plastic waste and promoting recycling. Under this new law, 12 items are designated as products subject to the new law as a one-way reduction in plastics, including hangers and clothing covers, and retailers and laundry businesses are required to reduce emissions. Designated as a target company. As a way to comply with the new law, efforts are being made to ``convert the design of plastic products to be eco-friendly'' and it is predicted that the need for alternative materials to plastic will increase.
Biodegradable plastic earth-friendly alternative to plastic
Biodegradable plastic PLA (polylactic acid) handled by HighChem is a plant-derived plastic material made from starch found in corn and other crops. Because it is derived from plants, it is carbon neutral and does not increase atmospheric carbon dioxide even when incinerated, and has the environmentally friendly property of decomposing into water and CO2 under certain conditions.
PLA100% hanger biodegradation
Composting conditions
Compost temperature: 68℃ Moisture content: around 50%
Mass change rate (%): -67
HighChem's biodegradable plastic initiatives
HighChem has entered into a strategic business partnership with BBCA Group, the largest manufacturer of PLA (Polylactic Acid) in China, as part of its initiative to rapidly develop the market for biodegradable plastics. In addition to PLA, HighChem has established a distribution system for a total of seven types of biodegradable plastics, including PHBV, which also degrades in marine environments. In December of the previous year, HighChem unveiled its next-generation sustainable material, HIGHLACT™, which uses PLA. This launch marked a significant achievement in improving the quality of PLA fibers through integrated production management from raw material resin to fabric. These efforts have enabled HighChem to offer a comprehensive range of biodegradable materials, from fibers and molded products to films, enhancing its ability to meet diverse market needs effectively.
What only "HighChem x Nippon Copac" can do
Apparel companies are strengthening their efforts toward "sustainable fashion" in response to the challenges of "mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal" in fashion. Under these circumstances, with the enforcement of new laws and the spread of e-commerce, there is a growing need to eliminate plastic not only from clothing but also from secondary materials and packaging materials. Nippon Copac, a comprehensive manufacturer of hangers and other store fixtures and equipment, has been engaged in the reuse and recycling of plastic hangers for 30 years. Furthermore, in recent years, we have been proactively developing hangers that contain paper, wood chips, etc. as an alternative to plastic, and are working quickly to become more sustainable. The recent partnership between HighChem and Nippon Copac makes it possible to provide a one-stop supply of biodegradable plastic products ranging from clothing to store fixtures, equipment, and materials, meeting the strong needs of apparel companies for sustainable fashion.
Nippon Copac Outline
Company name: Nippon Copac Co.
Location: 1-28-1 Yanagibashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Representative Director: Munetoshi Saito
Business Planning, manufacturing, and sales of store fixtures and fittings and logistics equipment
Construction and operation of reuse and recycling systems
Planning, manufacturing, and sales of shoppers (bags), seats, and covers
HighChem Company Limited Outline
Company name: HighChem Company Limited
Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo 3-1, Toranomon 1-chome, Tokyo Toranomon Global Square 11F
Representative Director: Taka Ushio
Business： Export/import and sales of Chemicals / outsourced manufacturing / Technology Licensing related business / manufacture and sales of catalysts / Biodegradable Materials import and sales, etc.
Media inquiries regarding this release
HighChem Co., Ltd. PR Division – Eriko Kuroiwa
E-mail: kuroiwa@highchem.co.jp Phone: +81-3-5251-8580 / +81-90-6539-4213 (Kuroiwa)