Environmentally Friendly Products
Environment (E)
- Long-Term Environmental Vision and Environment 2029V
- Environmental Management
- Responding to Climate Change
- Responding to Water Risks
- Contributing to a Resource-Recycling Society
- Contributing to a Society in Harmony with Nature
- Appropriate Chemical Substance Management
- Environmental Communication
- Environmentally Friendly Products
Shareholders and Investors, Suppliers and Other Trade Partners, Global Environment
Basic Approach
In addition to working to reduce the environmental impact of our business activities, the Sumitomo Riko Group is also committed to solving social issues through business (CSV: Creating Shared Value), including the development of environmentally friendly products and technologies that comply with environmental regulations. Most of our products are environmentally friendly products, such as anti-vibration rubber and sound insulation products that reduce vibration and noise, and hoses that prevent gasoline and oil volatilization. However, we are also actively working to develop products that respond to new environmental issues such as climate change and contribute to the improvement of the global environment.
BEV Compatible Products (Anti-vibration rubber, hoses, sound insulation products)
Our BEV-compatible products such as anti-vibration rubber, hoses, and sound insulation products have been adopted for use in the bZ4X (Battery Electric Vehicle: BEV).
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FCEV Compatible Products (FC stack "Fuel Cell Gasket")
We have developed a rubber sealing component, a "cell gasket," for the fuel cell (FC) stacks used in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The development of cells using these gaskets has realized higher performance, smaller and lighter FC stacks, and secured long-term reliability of FC, and these gaskets have been continuously used in Toyota Motor Corporation's FCEV "MIRAI" from the first generation model in 2014 to the new model in 2021. We will contribute to the further spread and development of MIRAI, the ultimate eco-car that uses hydrogen as its energy source and emits only water while driving.
Non-petroleum-based products (Biohydrin Rubber)
We have developed biohydrin rubber in collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation and ZEON Corporation. Using plant-based raw materials, it is possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20% over the life cycle from production to disposal compared to conventional petroleum-based hydrin rubber, while ensuring quality and mass productivity equivalent to those of petroleum-based hydrin rubber.
Automobile fuel efficiency improvement products (Low Specific Gravity EPDM hose)
Low specific gravity EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) hose was developed to reduce component weight and can be applied to a variety of hoses, including water system hoses such as water bypass hoses and radiator hoses. While its strength, durability, heat resistance, insulation, and other properties are equivalent to those of conventional EPDM hoses, the newly developed compound design with lightweight reinforcing materials has achieved a weight reduction of approximately 20%. By switching to our low specific gravity EPDM, a weight reduction of approximately 1kg* per vehicle will be possible.
* According to Sumitomo Riko's own trial results.
* According to Sumitomo Riko's own trial results.
Automobile fuel efficiency improvement products (Resin Filler Neck Module)
The filler piping that guides the fuel to the fuel tank has been replaced with resin instead of metal, resulting in a weight reduction of approximately 40% compared to conventional metal hoses. This weight reduction contributes to improved fuel efficiency.
In addition, the resin filler neck module has excellent low fuel permeability (fuel does not easily seep through the resin/rubber piping) and complies with environmental regulations. Furthermore, our unique processing technology has realized a bent shape design that enhances smooth fuel supply, and at the same time, the flexible bellows design assumes vehicle collision, contributing to automobile safety performance.
In addition, the resin filler neck module has excellent low fuel permeability (fuel does not easily seep through the resin/rubber piping) and complies with environmental regulations. Furthermore, our unique processing technology has realized a bent shape design that enhances smooth fuel supply, and at the same time, the flexible bellows design assumes vehicle collision, contributing to automobile safety performance.
Non-VOC products (Photosensitive water-developed flexographic plates)
Flexographic printing is a printing method using a soft rubber printing plates. AquaGreen® is an eco-friendly flexographic plate that can be developed with water (most other companies use solvents). It is friendly not only to the natural environment but also to the working environment, with the added values of high definition, high productivity, and no waste liquid.
Energy-saving products (High-transparency thermal insulation film)
Refleshine™ is a high-transparency thermal insulation window film that can reduce solar heat inflow and indoor heat outflow. This film is used in railroad cars and buildings because of its effectiveness in reducing the amount of electricity used for air conditioning, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the automotive window film made with our polymer material technology have not only heat shielding performance but also visibility (transparency) and scratch prevention performance required for in-vehicle applications. The film has been adopted for windshields and side glass.
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Thermal insulation material (Thin-film high heat insulation material)
Finesulight® is a thin film material with high thermal insulation properties. We are applying it to manufacturing sites, housing, equipment and products. By installing Finesulight® around heat sources in factories and other facilities, you can improve thermal efficiency and reduce the operating rate of air conditioners, thereby reducing energy consumption such as fuel and electricity and reducing carbon dioxide emissions from business activities. This will help our customers become carbon neutral and contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society.
Finesulight® received Aichi Invention Award in 2022, sponsored by Aichi Prefecture Institute of Invention and Innovation.