Kuraray to Expand Biomass Fuel Use in Kurashiki

Kuraray Co., a major chemical company in Japan, announced on June 15, 2004, that it would expand its use of biomass fuels from 1,000 to 16,000 tons annually at its Tamashima Plant, located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. Kuraray made the decision after overcoming technological and supply-side difficulties. The biomass fuel project is slated for full operation starting in December, 2004.

The plant is expects to use wood chips from building construction and demolition as its source of biomass fuel. The Construction Material Recycling Act that came into force in 2002 requires recycling of construction waste. In addition, many incinerators have been shut down due to tightened regulations on dioxin emissions. As a result, it has become necessary to recycle more wood chips that used to be incinerated.

Wood chips from building demolition will be supplied by three nearby companies who are members of the "Chu-Shikoku Wood Recycle Association," an incorporated nonprofit organization. They deal with a large amount of demolition wood, and have a good understanding of quality control. The planned expansion of biomass use is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 22,000 tons annually.

To decrease its environmental impacts, Kuraray has been working on thermal recycling of waste plastics collected from inside its plant and elsewhere since 1987. The company intends to make a further contribution to the environment by expanding its use of biomass fuel.



Posted: 2004/08/24 02:35:27 PM
Japanese version