Kaneka Belgium Green Planet™ Beads Officially Recognized as Microplastic-Free

Kaneka Belgium Green Planet Beads Officially Recognized as Microplastic-Free Under Commission Regulation 2023/2055

Kaneka Belgium NV is proud to announce that its Kaneka Biodegradable Polymer Green Planet™ Expanded Beads - type L40N - has been officially excluded from the definition of synthetic polymer microparticles under EU Commission Regulation 2023/2055.

Kaneka Green Planet™ is a 100% biomass-derived biodegradable biopolymer developed by Kaneka, as part of the company’s commitment to providing environmentally friendly solutions that do not rely on petroleum resources. It has shown excellent biodegradability in various environments and decomposes easily in soil and seawater, where it converts into CO2 and water.

Green Planet™ Expanded Beads are the result of integrating Kaneka's long-established Eperan™ particle foam technology with the development of Biodegradable Polymer Green Planet™. This innovative material is used in a wide range of lightweight, shock-absorbing applications, such as cushioning materials for home electric appliances, transportation containers for fresh food, and materials used in the automotive and transport industries.  The foam particles can be processed with existing molding equipment, and their characteristics are similar to those of polyolefin foams.

The microplastic-free recognition of Kaneka’s Green Planet™ Expanded Beads follows a comprehensive assessment conducted by Normec OWS, an external verification laboratory. During the verification process, the product's aqueous aerobic biodegradability was evaluated based on CO2 evolution. The results indicated that the material achieves a mineralization level of +60% over a period of 28 days according to OECD test method 301 B. These results confirm that the product fully degrades without leaving any synthetic residues, reinforcing its role as a sustainable alternative in the foam applications industry and contributing to the fight against microplastic pollution.

"We are proud that Kaneka Green Planet™ Expanded Beads L40N have been officially recognized as microplastic-free in line with the highest environmental standards set by EU Regulation 2023/2055. This milestone reflects our dedication to protecting the planet and delivering eco-friendly particle foam solutions without compromising performance and quality. It will enable us to engage further with brand owners, molders, and consumers, and help us work towards a microplastic-free foam industry," said Luc Point, General Manager of Foam & Residential Techs EMEA for Kaneka Belgium.

Brand owners, molders or other industry key holders interested in partnering up and learning more about Kaneka Green Planet™ Expanded Beads are invited to contact the expert team in Europe at www.kaneka.be.

Interested to learn more or partner up? Contact us today! 

About Kaneka Belgium NV
Kaneka Belgium NV is a subsidiary of Kaneka Corporation, a leading technology-driven chemical company headquartered in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1970 in Westerlo, Flanders, Kaneka Belgium was the company’s first subsidiary outside Japan and the first production site of a Japanese chemical company in Belgium. Since its establishment, Kaneka Belgium has expanded its business and research activities to include a variety of functional and foamed plastic solutions, focusing on the development and manufacturing of specialty materials for end applications in the industrial, automotive, building and construction, packaging, consumer, DIY, and residential sectors.

About Kaneka Corporation
Kaneka Corporation, established in 1949, is a leading technology-driven company headquartered in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan. Through world-class science and technology, Kaneka provides a range of innovative solutions to diverse markets worldwide, addressing the needs of manufacturers, consumers, society, and the global environment.

Aligned with its global business strategy, Kaneka Corporation focuses on four strategic solution areas: materials, quality of life, health care, and nutrition. Its business activities cover a broad spectrum of markets, including specialty chemicals, photovoltaics, plastics, synthetic fibers, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, life sciences, electrical and electronic materials, and food products. 

Kaneka has been a pioneer among Japanese chemical companies in establishing overseas operations. The company has developed a global network of group companies, including three regional holding companies located in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.