SONY Corporation, the creator of the Walkman, has launched a new model using vegetable-based plastic casings, and it has been selling very well.

The vegetable-based plastic mainly consists of polylactic acid made by starch and sugar from corn and potatoes. Sony has applied this new type of plastic in more than 90 percent of the total weight of the casing. Two ears of corn are required per Walkman. Though this plastic material's specific weight is 1.2 to 1.3 times heavier than conventional materials, the total weight and the price remain the same as existing models.

Sony says that while conventional plastics are produced from petrochemicals, the vegetable-based plastic made from plants comes from renewable resources, reducing the fossil fuel used by about 60 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 percent.

When disposed, because it is biodegradable, polylactic acid gradually decomposes into water, carbon dioxide and inorganic substances in the environment. The process takes at least a year by composting, thought to be the fastest method of decomposition.

Conventional polylactic acid lacks sufficient durability, heat and shock resistance, and the moldability required for it to be used for durable consumer goods. Sony, however, has successfully improved these physical properties by refining the ingredients. The biodegradable plastic is also used in the company's DVD players and in some accessories for AIBO, a popular "pet" robot.

Sony plans to market the eco-friendly Walkman in Europe next spring.




Posted: 2003/01/28 04:29:24 AM
Japanese version

TAG Eco-product/Business , Global warming , Manufacturing industry , Material reduction , Technology