Biomass plastics utilize the biomass resources of regenerable biological origin. Currently, biomass plastics based on plant-derived materials are in practical use. The plastics are high-polymer materials made of raw materials consisting of starch, sugar, or cellulose contained in plants. One example is polylactic acid, the chemically-synthesized lactic acid that is fermented from starch. Even if CO2 is ejected when polylactic acid is incinerated, it is utilized in photosynthesis by growing plants that are used as materials; the CO2 in the atmosphere does not increase (carbon-neutral). Therefore, it is an environmentally-friendly material that does not contribute to global warming (Figure 1). Furthermore, this material is as strong and rigid as polystyrene. However, for polylactic acid to be used as a material in durable goods, issues related to heat resistance and impact resistance as well as flame retardancy need to be addressed; the material must provide non-flammable parts for electric and electronic devices. Furthermore, issues related to molding techniques for mass production of components have to be addressed.
At Ricoh, with the aim of resolving these issues and paving the way to the full adoption of polylactic acid, we are developing materials technology for applying polylactic acid fermented from non edible materials. Examples include timber from forest thinning and waste wood for use in durable parts. There is also a molding technique suited to mass production that achieves economic efficiency.