ELEMUS List of Products and Services

From July 1 to July 7, we exhibited at the Osaka Expo and the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion in the Carbon Neutral Treasure Hunt "Future New Materials" corner, showcasing our wood-based molding technology using 100% natural materials and launching our new brand "URCYL/Arcyll." Since the 1851 London Expo, expos have introduced the latest technologies from various countries. For example, technologies that are now commonplace, such as photocopiers, steam locomotives, moving walkways, and telephones, have all been showcased throughout history. I believe it is very significant that our technology was introduced as a cutting-edge innovation. In particular, our company succeeded for the first time in the world in artificially germinating lacquer, showcasing URUSHI as a cutting-edge sustainable material to the world. We received positive feedback from visitors, such as learning for the first time that lacquer is a type of plastic and expressing hope for the widespread adoption of URCYL as the ultimate environmental material. URCYL requires further technological development for the future of manufacturing in Japan. Moving forward, we will accelerate collaboration with domestic and international companies and engineers. We look forward to hearing from engineers and companies who can join us in developing materials for the world.

• plastic

From July 1 to 7, we will exhibit the Carbon Neutral Treasure Hunt "Future New Materials" corner at the Osaka Expo and Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. ELEMUS has launched a new brand "URCYL" as a molding scheme using 100% natural material raw materials. Our company is developing solutions to respond to modern environmentally conscious materials by re-evaluating and harnessing the potential of natural raw materials and materials that have been used in Japan for a long time. The raw material for URCYL is lacquer, which has been used as an adhesive and paint in daily life for about 9,000 years. In modern times, lacquer has lost its value due to chemical materials and has become a niche material. However, the technique of lacquer application itself has been refined and passed down as a unique Japanese technology over the 9,000 years. Our company has re-evaluated lacquer as a material, assessing it from the perspectives of chemical and physical characteristics and environmental impact, discovering its potential, and building a unique scheme. At the Osaka Expo, we will showcase a new material solution that combines the origins of craftsmanship based on materials and techniques that the Japanese have continued to inherit with the latest technology to the world.

• plastic

From July 1 to 7, we will exhibit at the Osaka Expo and the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion in the carbon-neutral treasure hunt "Future New Materials" corner. ELEMUS has launched a new brand "URCYL" as a molding scheme using 100% natural material raw materials. URCYL is a material made by mixing wood powder (from mushrooms) and lacquer tree sap. Lacquer has a phenolic structure, which is a type of plastic, and by bringing out its characteristic heat-curing performance, it can be compounded and thermally pressed into various shapes using international patented technology. The wood powder is mainly sourced from domestic coniferous construction offcuts and thinned wood, and we have established our own powdering technology. Regarding the binder, lacquer tree sap, ELEMUS has successfully implemented the scheme of "seed germination → cultivation → processing → molded product manufacturing." Since 2021, we have been cultivating it every year in the hilly areas of Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. It takes about 10 to 15 years for lacquer to be harvestable, while producing plastic raw materials from petroleum takes about 60 million to 200 million years. ELEMUS aims to globally expand the system "URCYL," which extracts large amounts of sap from seeds instead of producing plastic raw materials from petroleum.

• plastic

【Objective】 A new proposal for the effective use of thinning wood and harvested bamboo in the community. We manufacture biomass plastic products in small lots. Pellets can be produced starting from 100 kg. 【Scheme】 1. Please process thinning wood and harvested bamboo into chip form. 2. We will handle drying, crushing, and pellet production. 3. We can also manufacture tableware and cutlery. The delivered tableware will be purchased as valuable materials after use. 4. We will recycle it into other products (hangers, planters, etc.) 5. You will purchase them again.

• plastic

Introduction of a new material that can be used as a new outlet for thinned wood and harvested bamboo. Please send us thinned wood and bamboo stems from your local area in a chipped state. Using our special technology, we will produce a new material, MORIFx, by mixing it with rubber. It excels in heat resistance, water resistance, and weather resistance compared to natural and synthetic leather. 【Features】 - A unique texture similar to suede, completely different from conventional industrial rubber - Achieves 85% non-petroleum-derived material without using animal-based materials - Superior in terms of animal welfare compared to natural leather and environmental impact compared to synthetic leather - As it is rubber, it excels in heat resistance, water resistance, and weather resistance compared to both natural and synthetic leather - Provides a soothing effect with the natural scent of wood due to the use of wood powder - A rich variety of colors (with plans to increase in the future) *For more details, please download the PDF document or contact us by mentioning "Ipros."

• Wood products

URCYL/Arcil" is a biomass molding material made from finely crushed wood powder of cedar and cypress, and tree sap harvested from the lacquer tree. It has physical strength comparable to ABS resin, and as a highly heat-resistant material, it possesses both antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it suitable for various applications. The amount of carbon dioxide generated in the production of this product is about 1/5 that of plastic, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases. 【Features】 ■ New material from plant resources ■ Sustainable raw materials ■ Antibacterial and antiviral properties *For more details, please download the PDF or contact us by mentioning "Ipros.

• Organic Natural Materials

We sell wood powder. By mixing it with other materials as a filler for plastic products or as a molding material, it is possible to impart the properties of wood, such as antibacterial effects and moisture resistance.

• Wood products

We sell 100% domestically produced wood powder. 【Wood Powder Particle Size】 ■Average particle diameter: 500μm ■Average particle diameter: 250μm ■Average particle diameter: 75μm 【Minimum Order Quantity】 ■From 30kg 【Commission Amount】 ■From 5,000 yen/kg *For more details, please download the PDF document or contact us mentioning "Ipros."

• Wood products

Are you aware that attention is being drawn to new materials that improve environmental issues? Recently, a completely new plastic material has been developed by combining wood-based materials and plastics, which compensates for the shortcomings of each. 【What is the compatibility of wood powder and plastic?】 When wood powder and plastic are combined, their compatibility can be considered favorable. One of the advantages is that it allows for the use of materials that would otherwise be discarded, thus harmonizing with the environment. The composite material made by combining wood powder and plastic is called Wood Plastic Composite (WPC). WPC is mainly used in automotive interiors, construction materials, and home appliances, and it can be recycled by crushing and melting it back into pellets at the time of disposal. 【Benefits of WPC】 The benefits of biomass plastic using wood powder, which is different from conventional marine plastics, include the following: ■ It is more resistant to dirt compared to wood, has a smooth surface, and experiences less degradation from mold and corrosion... For more details, please read the continuation at the URL below or contact us. If you are considering the production of wood powder bioplastics, please consult ELEMUS.

• Organic Natural Materials

The SDGs were formulated with the aim of achieving a sustainable society, and currently, countries around the world are working on various issues such as the environment and poverty, aiming for solutions by 2030. **[Efforts to Address Environmental Issues Using Wood Powder]** One application of biomass fuel and materials utilizing thinned wood is the attempt to reuse wood that has been processed into wood powder. For example, biomass plastic that combines wood powder and resin (plastic) is expected to help suppress the rise in carbon dioxide levels, thus offering potential for carbon neutrality, making it a promising solution for environmental issues. *Carbon Neutrality: An initiative to balance the total emissions and absorption of greenhouse gases on Earth to zero.* **[Challenges of Wood Powder Biomass Plastic]** There are several challenges associated with biomass plastic made from wood powder. High market prices While there are many advantages compared to conventional plastics, wood powder biomass plastic tends to have a higher market price... For more information, please read the continuation at the URL below or contact us. If you are considering wood powder processing as a recycling option for thinned wood, please reach out to ELEMUS.

• Organic Natural Materials

What kind of material is biomass plastic? First, let me explain its positioning and characteristics. **Types of Bioplastics** In fact, biomass plastic is classified as one of the many types of bioplastics, which are different from marine plastics. Bioplastics can be broadly divided into two categories: "biomass plastics" and "biodegradable plastics." Biomass refers to "renewable resources," indicating resources that can be sustainably regenerated. Biomass plastic is a new type of plastic material that does not require petroleum, which was the source of traditional marine plastics, and is primarily produced from plants and other organic materials. Since the raw materials are plant-based, the renewable aspect is a significant characteristic. However, it is important to note that there are both types that are biodegradable and those that are not. **Differences Between Biomass Plastics and Biodegradable Plastics** Biomass Plastics: Derived from biological sources... For more information, please read the continuation at the URL below or contact us. If you are considering effective utilization of wood for a decarbonized society, please consult ELEMUS.

• Organic Natural Materials

What is high-quality wood powder? Traditionally, wood powder has been treated as a "by-product" generated during the manufacturing processes of construction materials and furniture, or when dismantling wood. When attempting to utilize wood powder produced in such processes as a material, there were disadvantages such as contamination with impurities and difficulty in adjusting particle size. However, recently, there has been an increase in companies that process locally sourced wood and sell it as "high-quality wood powder material." What characteristics define high-quality wood powder? Quality Standards for Wood Powder The quality standards for using wood powder as a material are as follows: Origin (Purity) What percentage of the wood powder comes from its country of origin (e.g., domestic products, 100% domestic wood, etc.) Raw Materials Whether the wood powder is produced from local sources or from offcuts and components of lumber Impurities Whether there are any contaminants such as adhesives, asbestos, metal powders, or preservatives Functionality Whether the wood powder is superior in safety when used as a material High-quality wood powder is... For more information, please read the continuation at the URL below or contact us. If you are considering the effective use of logs or wood pieces sourced from your area, please consult ELEMUS.

• Organic Natural Materials

To prevent bear encounters, there are calls in various regions to "carry bear bells!" but how effective are they really? The term "urban bear," which was nominated for the 2023 new word and buzzword list, has gained attention due to the increasing occurrences of bears appearing in urban areas. In the bear world, there is a hierarchy, and even if a bear finds food, weaker bears will yield their food to stronger bears. Weaker bears are said to be "urban bears" because they go into towns in search of food. Bears originally lived hidden from human sight. However, just as human life has evolved, bears have also adapted and become accustomed to the sounds and lights produced by humans. **One of the reasons for bear sightings is the poor acorn harvest!** In prefectures where bears are sighted, administrative agencies issue warnings about bear encounters when there is a poor acorn harvest in the mountains. However, the cause is not solely the poor acorn harvest. Bears are influenced by seasonal changes... For more details, please read the continuation at the URL below or contact us.

• Organic Natural Materials

Japan is a forest kingdom, with about two-thirds of its land (approximately 25 million hectares) covered by forests, which is among the highest proportions in the world. In fact, Japan's forest area has not changed for over 50 years. I will explain the current state of Japan's forests, which is the reason for this. However, the volume of forests, known as forest accumulation, has been increasing year by year, primarily in artificial forests. While the area has not increased, the volume has been growing annually. Forests consist of "natural forests," which grow through natural processes, and "artificial forests," which are planted by humans. While the global rate of artificial forests is 7%, Japan's rate is very high at 40%. The area of Japan's artificial forests is approximately 10 million hectares, which is about 1.2 times the size of Hokkaido. The high rate of artificial forests in Japan is due to the sharp increase in demand for timber after World War II and during the period of rapid economic growth, leading to the establishment of many artificial forests. Now, those artificial forests planted during that time have entered their maturity phase, with more than half being over 50 years old. As a result, while the forest area has not changed, the trees in the forests are growing... For more information, please read the continuation at the URL below or contact us.

• Organic Natural Materials

**Utilization of Thinning Timber and Its Relevance to SDGs** Recently, "thinning," which is essential for the maintenance and management of Japan's rich forest resources, has been gaining attention. But why is thinning necessary in the first place? Its benefits are as follows: - Moderately thinning dense trees allows sunlight to reach the forest evenly, maintaining the ecosystem. - With more sunlight hitting the trees during their growth stages, a healthy forest environment and cycle are created. - Thinning trees helps prevent landslides, which in turn protects the water quality of the sea flowing from forests and rivers. - These environmental efforts through thinning contribute to achieving the following SDGs goals. **Challenges and Measures Regarding Thinning** Thinning is an indispensable task for the maintenance and management of forests. However, due to the aging of forestry workers and a lack of manpower and funding, thinning of artificial forests is not being conducted properly. If forests are left unattended without thinning, the aging of trees will progress, leading to further decline in the forestry industry. Therefore, a specific measure is to "expand the use of domestic timber and thinning timber." By increasing the utilization of forest resources, we can enhance the domestic sustainability of timber... For more details, please read the continuation at the URL below or contact us.

• Organic Natural Materials

**SDG 13: "Take Urgent Action to Combat Climate Change and Its Impacts"** In SDG 13, "Take Urgent Action to Combat Climate Change and Its Impacts," countries are called upon to implement measures to mitigate natural disasters resulting from climate change due to global warming, as previously mentioned. **Japan's Initiatives for SDGs** As part of the global initiative aiming for a sustainable society, the SDGs propose the 13th goal, "Take Urgent Action to Combat Climate Change and Its Impacts." In Japan, a "Global Warming Countermeasure Plan" has been formulated to systematically advance measures against global warming, and efforts are being made towards the SDGs. The overall goals of the "Global Warming Countermeasure Plan" are as follows: - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030 (compared to 2013 levels) - Further reduce emissions by 50% thereafter - Achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 Thus, the ultimate goal of realizing "carbon neutrality by 2050" is set forth. **Sector-Specific Goals and Initiatives** Based on the overall goals, we will introduce the targets and initiatives for each sector. Currently, approximately 30% of greenhouse gas emissions in Japan come from... For more details, please read the continuation at the URL below or contact us.

• Organic Natural Materials

**What is Biomass?** Biomass is a term that combines "biological resources (BIO)" and "mass (MASS)," referring to organic resources generated from "renewable biological materials" without using fossil fuels. **What Can Be Generated from Biomass?** Biomass can be categorized into several types, but it can be broadly classified into three main categories: ■ Waste Biomass This type of biomass is generated from items that are generally discarded, mainly including the following types: Manure and urine from livestock (cattle, pigs, chickens, etc.), food waste (processed foods, waste oil, etc.), waste paper, pulp (factory wastewater), sewage, sludge, human waste, construction waste wood, and sawmill waste wood. ■ Unused Biomass This biomass is generated from materials that arise during agricultural or lumber processes and are planned to be discarded without use. Examples include wheat straw, rice husks, rice straw, and forestry offcuts. ■ Resource Crops These are crops cultivated specifically for the purpose of being used as "biomass resources"... For more information, please read the continuation at the URL below or contact us. If you are considering effective utilization of biomass, please consult ELEMUS.

• Organic Natural Materials

Currently, the areas troubled by bamboo groves spreading into forests and satoyama (traditional rural woodlands) are expanding. It has become a significant issue, as trees in forests invaded by bamboo are dying. However, why is the maintenance of bamboo groves not progressing well? Behind this lies a lack of knowledge about the characteristics of bamboo and appropriate eradication methods. This lack of information hinders maintenance efforts and exacerbates the bamboo grove problem. Now, let’s explain the current situation and issues regarding bamboo groves. **[Increase of Bamboo Groves in Japan and Their Impact on Forest Environments]** The area of bamboo groves in Japan has been increasing year by year, reaching approximately 160,000 hectares in 2012. They are widely distributed, particularly in western Japan, including Kyushu and the Chugoku region, and bamboo groves account for about 0.6% of Japan's total forest area. While there are well-maintained bamboo groves, many of the unmaintained ones have low productivity as bamboo materials. Not all bamboo groves need to be urgently maintained, and the approach to assessment varies depending on the original land use. For further details, please read the continuation at the URL below or contact us.

• Organic Natural Materials

Are you aware of the "Forest Environment Tax" that will be introduced in 2024? The "Forest Environment Tax" is a tax that individuals with a residence in Japan are required to pay alongside their resident tax, amounting to 1,000 yen per year. Since there are approximately 62 million taxpayers in Japan, the "Forest Environment Tax" is expected to raise about 62 billion yen annually. The taxes we pay will be distributed from the national government to municipalities and prefectures as "Forest Environment Allocation Tax" and will be used for forest management. What led to the establishment of the "Forest Environment Tax" and the "Forest Environment Allocation Tax"? You can read more at the URL below or contact us for further information.

• Organic Natural Materials

In daily life, one of the issues that increases the burden on the environment is the packaging that excessively beautifies products to entice customers, as well as packaging that overly emphasizes freshness (commonly known as excessive packaging), which we have started to see in retail stores. Don't you notice that every time you pick up a product, unnecessary materials and resources are used in its packaging? This article focuses on "excessive packaging," considering it throughout the product life cycle, and explores the current situation in Japan and global trends. [What is the significance of "Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)" in addressing the issue of "excessive packaging"?] "Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)" is a method for evaluating the environmental impact of products and services throughout their entire life cycle. It allows for a quantitative understanding of the amount of resources and energy used, as well as the volume of emissions, throughout the life of a product. You can read more at the URL below or contact us for inquiries. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.

• Organic Natural Materials

In Europe, the world's first law to prohibit the import of products related to deforestation, the "Deforestation Prevention Law," was implemented in 2024. On the other hand, in response to the global surge in energy prices, the number of households in Europe burning wood for heating has rapidly increased. This article explains the contents of the European Deforestation Prevention Law and the latest developments regarding wood and the environment. 【What is the world's first "Deforestation Prevention Law"?】 What kind of law is the world's first attempt, the "Deforestation Prevention Law," enacted in Europe? First, let’s introduce its features. - Requirement for proof of "not being involved in deforestation" The European Deforestation Prevention Law, approved by the European Parliament, has decided to prohibit the import of agricultural products and goods related to deforestation into the EU. For more details, please read the continuation at the URL below or contact us. *You can view the detailed content of the column through the related links. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

• Organic Natural Materials