Five times stronger than steel: Japan's new 'wood' | Nikkei Film

Summary

Plastic waste and emissions from plastic manufacturing and incineration are growing environmental concerns. The report presents wood-derived cellulose nanofibers (CNF) as a possible lower-impact alternative.

Yamaha’s personal watercraft

Yamaha has incorporated CNF-reinforced resin into a new personal watercraft. The material is made by breaking plant fibers down to the nanoscale. In tests shown, it resists stretching and deformation better than ordinary plastic. The engine-cover component is about 25% lighter than its conventional-plastic counterpart. CNF is also described as five times stronger than steel and one-fifth its weight.

Yamaha studied the material for seven years to assess its suitability for a watercraft exposed to impacts. The product is presented as the first mass-produced use of CNF in transport equipment, with Yamaha aiming to sell 20,000 units annually.

Manufacturing and supply

Cost has been a major obstacle: CNF materials can cost thousands to tens of thousands of yen per kilogram. Yamaha helped control manufacturing costs by using an existing factory and production machine, replacing only the molds rather than investing in new equipment. The process produces about one part per minute.

Nippon Paper Industries supplies the CNF. Its forestry operations provide a source of wood, and the company replants trees after harvesting. The report links this development to Japan’s extensive forests and efforts to turn forest resources into higher-value products.

Other applications

CNF research extends beyond watercraft. Nippon Paper Industries has explored its use in foods to help bread stay fluffy and bean paste retain moisture, as well as in batteries.

A Shizuoka-made plastic model containing at least 50% cellulose fibers is presented as another regional initiative. The report says it can be treated like paper when discarded.

In automotive research, Professor Hio Yuki describes CNF-containing parts, including an air-conditioner case. A supercar with CNF-containing material in much of its body, including the hood and sunroof, is reported to be 16% lighter than a typical car, with an 11% improvement in fuel economy.

Collaboration and outlook

The report highlights collaboration among Yamaha, the paper industry, researchers, and Shizuoka Prefecture. This collaboration helped connect companies and support the development of a CNF materials industry. Yamaha’s move into mass production is presented as an important test of whether the material can scale.

Reviews, guides, or tutorials

None; this is a technology and industry report.

Main speakers and sources

• Nikkei’s narrator and reporting team
• Yamaha Motor’s research and manufacturing facilities
• Nippon Paper Industries
• Professor Hio Yuki, a cellulose-nanofiber researcher
• Shizuoka Prefecture initiatives