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Health and Environmental Concerns

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Conventional petroleum derived plastics, while not undergoing biodegradation by microorganisms, undergo fragmentation through UV exposure and physical abrasion, becoming microplastics (<5 mm) and nanoplastics (<1 µm).  This is what we call a plastic pollution. While it is evident that these microparticles constitute plastic pollution in the natural environment, they present a global environmental issue by entering the human body via seafood, drinking water, and inhaled air, penetrating into cells, blood vessels, and the brain.  Recent research reports indicate that the accumulation of micro - and nanoplastics in human tissues - including the digestive tract, vasculature, and brain - is linked to potential health risks, such as thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, reproductive impairment, adverse fetal outcomes, autism, lower IQ, ADHD, Alzheimer's, asthma, and immune system suppression (Figure 1).

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In response to these concerns, the plant-based, biomass, and organic materials used in Bio Sakura are eco-friendly. For instance, the PLA and cellulosic resins used as materials are said to have a tendency to biodegrade and be excreted within the human body. (Please note that our biodegradable resins and products are not guaranteed to 100% biodegrade and be eliminated within the human body. They only have a tendency to biodegrade, and further detailed research and studies are required).

Furthermore, studies have reported that not only plastics themselves but also petroleum-derived additives contained in them—such as UV absorbers, PCBs, plasticizers (phthalates, bisphenols), and flame retardants—can have harmful effects when taken into the body.  In this respect, we have been dedicated to R&D with the ambitious goal of replacing all conventional petroleum-based products—ranging from plastics and resins to coatings, paints, colorants, adhesives, glue, detergent, rubber, plasticizers, lubricant, 3D printing resins, nail cosmetics, cosmetic ingredients, biochar, and cellulose nanofibers—with plant-based, biomass, and organic alternatives to the greatest extent possible (Figure 2).  The Bio Sakura range is part of this initiative, and the materials used are, as much as possible, non-petroleum-derived.

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The concept of this R&D is also summarized in an English academic paper written by our CEO, Ryohei Mori (Ph.D. in Engineering).  Additionally, this work was featured on the top cover of RSC Sustainability (British Academic Paper) from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Additionally, the plant-based biomass plastic utilized in Bio Sakura is considered effective in reducing CO2 - a major greenhouse gas responsible for climate change.　 Due to its plant-based origin, the CO2 released upon incineration is considered carbon neutral, as the plants absorb atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis during growth process. It is said that the amount of CO2 reduced is more than 1.4 times the weight of the material used (Japan Organic Recycling Association).

Therefore, Bio Sakura's product line has the potential to mitigate global warming.

As explained above, Bio Sakura products are eco-friendly and people-friendly, made from plants, biomass, and organic materials. They help mitigate global warming by reducing emissions and potentially reduce the health risks posed by plastic pollution.

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