Fujitsu pioneers use of biodegradable plastic in notebook computers

Fujitsu has announced the deployment of the world`s first eco-frindly notebook computer housing, using plant-based biodegradable plastic. The technology will be used for some of the components in Fujitsu`s FMV-BIBLO NB computer, and Fujitsu expects to apply it to the entire computer housing by 2004.

"Today there is increasing global recognition of the need to address the environmental burden created by the disposal of computer and consumer electronics products. In Japan a number of environmental regulations have been enacted in recent years, covering areas such as eco-friendly procurement policies, recycling and pollution controls," explained ICL Infrastructure Services Manager Mike Semple.

He said Fujitsu and other companies have established and are vigorously promoting recycling systems for magnesium and plastic housings used in notebook computers, for example. However, some products manage to evade these systems, so it is difficult to completely prevent their disposal as waste. Furthermore, given that petroleum-based plastic is based on a non-renewable resource, it has long been a goal to find a substitute raw material.

"Fujitsu`s newly developed biodegradable plastic uses an optimised formula to produce a polylactic acid polymer derived from the starch of corn, potatoes or other plants. The result has about the same strength and rate of shrinkage as PC/ABS 5 plastic. Should the product in which it is used bypass recycling efforts and end up in a landfill, the plastic is naturally metabolised by micro-organisms into CO2 and water," he added.

In addition, the use of this material not only eliminates emissions of dioxins and other harmful chemicals if incinerated; it reduces the use of petroleum products from the start.

Furthermore, it takes less energy to produce about half that of conventional plastics components making the production process itself more environmentally friendly, and, by using all natural materials, contributes to lower consumption of petroleum.

" This innovation illustrates the impressive R & D that we at ICL can draw on for the benefit of our customers going forward."

Background

In April 2001 Japan enacted the Law Concerning the Promotion of Eco-friendly Goods and Services by the State and Other Entities (also known as the Law on Promoting Green Purchasing) to promote purchasing and procurement of environmentally friendly products by national, prefectural, and local governments, corporations, citizens, and manufacturers, in order to promote sustainable development.

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To promote a recycling-oriented economy, in April 2001 Japan enacted the Revised Recycling Law, which requires companies to recover and recycle their products, reduce material inputs and increase product lives to generate less waste, and reuse components from recovered and products.

In March 2000 Japan enacted the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Law, which requires companies to report outflows of chemical emission quantities and waste matter to the government. This information is published with the goal of reducing environmental risk resulting from chemicals by-products and pollutants.

A plant-based biodegradable plastic derived from lactic acid from the starch of corn, potatoes and other plant matter.

A polymer alloy comprising polycarbonate and ABS resin (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene copolymer). Commonly used for notebook computer housings.