Mitsui Chemicals Receives 48th JCIA Technology Award “Special Technology Prize”
～High Marks for World’s First Nonwoven with Super Flexibility and Expandability～
2016.05.27
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Tokyo: 4183; President & CEO: Tsutomu Tannowa) announced that it received the Japan Chemical Industry Association’s (JCIA) 48th JCIA Technology Award “Special Technology Prize”. The award ceremony was held on May 26th at the Palace Hotel Tokyo.
| Award | JCIA Technology Award Special Technology Prize |
|---|---|
| Awarded technology | The World's first Development of Nonwoven characterized by Excellent, High Properties of Softness and Stretchability in Practical applications |
| Awardee | Kenichi Suzuki Manager, Project Management, Nonwovens Division, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. |
Lower photo shows conventional products. Significant differences are apparent.
The new nonwoven is characterized by excellent, high properties of softness and stretchability in practical applications
such as premium disposable diapers, one of Mitsui Chemicals target markets and an area in which the Company has a cutting
edge.
In addition to conventional functions, the new nonwoven improves on softness and fit, and has excellent designability.
As a consumer product, disposable diapers must be leak-proof yet breathable, enough to wick away moisture and sweat to prevent rash. In addition to these three basic needs, consumers are looking for nonwovens that promise more comfort and higher performance.
At Mitsui Chemicals, “gentleness” against the skin is evaluated by proprietary standards. Unique Group technology including resin design and fiber morphology control technology were used to develop this totally new performance driven nonwoven.
The newly developed nonwoven is used as a surface material for premium disposal diapers and improves comfort and fit.
Although, currently, the new high performance nonwoven is mainly used in disposable diapers, the Company will expand use to a wide range of products including hygienic products such as facial masks and medical applications.
The new production facilities for this nonwoven are at the Nagoya Works and scheduled for commercial operations in March 2018. The facilities will be responsible for manufacture of the newly developed nonwoven and other ultra-soft nonwovens with excellent designability.
To bolster its position as Asia’s market leader in high performance nonwovens, the Company will study expansion of other domestic bases to perfect its supply system.
Mitsui Chemicals, as a solution provider, will continue to capitalize on its proprietary technology to meet growing needs for super-performance nonwovens in Asia and the world to contribute to a better quality of life (QOL) for people everywhere.