bioplasticsMAGAZINE_0904

Characteristics of bioplastic application in Sony
In general, the main applications of bioplastics are in non-durable
goods such as packaging, but Sony aims to further develop its
applications in durable goods since the company uses significantly
more plastic in electronics products. Thus the durability of the material
is an important requirement. However, compostability of the material
is not a priority, because in many countries electronics products are
required by law to be recycled. Additionally, compostability sometimes
conflicts with durability, and in this case, the products are designed to
prioritize durability rather than compostability.
In consumer electronics, ABS, PC and PC/ABS blends are mainly
used, thus bioplastics are required to satisfy the same level of physical
properties as these plastics. Regarding content ratio of biomaterials,
blends of bioplastics and conventional plastics are permissible,
because the main objective in using bioplastics is to reduce the use of
fossil-based materials by using renewable materials. Thus polymers
from bio-based monomers and fossil-based monomers are also
allowable.
Conclusion
Applying new materials to products requires various technologies. It
needs not only polymer technology, but also compounding, moulding,
design, and material evaluation technology. Thus close collaboration
with suppliers to aggregate the technologies and accelerate
commercialization is extremely important.
Sony‘s product category is very wide, including consumer electronics,
games, and non-consumer electronics and devices. Each product has
its own requirements with regard to material properties, such as heat
resistance, shock resistance, flame resistance, stiffness, durability,
and printability. No bioplastic can satisfy all requirements, thus it is
expected that many kinds of bioplastics and material combinations will
be introduced in the market. By applying significantly more bioplastics
to products, Sony are doing their best to contribute to the creation of
a sustainable society.
Article contributed by
Yuko Fujihira, Researcher,
and Hiroyuki Mori,
Senior eco-products producer
Sony Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
Applications
www.sony.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/09] Vol. 4 39