This paper introduces CO₂ recovery technology using PDMS rubber that is developed by the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS). This technology is an efficient capture and liquefaction technology for CO₂ emitted from natural gas fields, biogas plants, thermal power plants, etc. As the related research, we also introduce the salinity gradient power generation project using ion exchange membranes (Cabinet Office SIP) and the development of smart pills (Cabinet Office Moonshot). The former proposes new renewable energy sources, while the latter aims to suppress ruminant methane production.

Marine plastic pollution has been recognized as a global problem. Despite the intensive studies including monitoring and modeling, most of the plastic wastes entering the ocean is still missing. Recent study showed that the deep-sea floor is a major sink for single-use plastic wastes. This urges us to develop a marine-biodegradable materials that can replace conventional plastics.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are defined as fluorinated substances that contain at least one fully fluorinated methyl or methylene carbon atom. In air filtration applications, PFAS are commonly used to impart water repellency to filter media. However, the carbon and fluorine in PFAS are strongly bonded, so they are not easily decomposed, and furthermore, there are concerns about adverse health effects. In this study, PFAS-free air filter media are developed using a water repellent composed of fluorine-free hydrocarbon-based polymer. The newly developed filter media have the equivalent basic filter media properties (filtration performance, tensile strength, stiffness and water repellency) to the conventional filter media containing a perfluoroalkyl water and oil repellent. On the other hand, their behaviors toward oil droplets are different.

Music played by high-quality loudspeaker improves people's quality of life. The same is true for the interior space of the car in the future. The diaphragm is important to the loudspeaker, but we have not yet obtained quantitative results on the relationship between the diaphragm material and people's impression of the sound. Therefore, we have developed several prototypes of diaphragms. We tested their sound quality and acoustic characteristics by integrating them into loudspeakers. The study revealed two things. (1) Difference of materials in diaphragms affects sound source preference. (2) Frequency response influences difference of preference. As a result, "CARMIX CFRTP" is useful for tweeter diaphragm that produces clear sound. We will continue research and development on the possibility of "CARMIX CFRTP".

Various technologies and techniques are needed when packaging materials switch from conventional plastic to paper in the world. Since it is difficult to provide the functions of plastics to paper alone, paper-plastic composite materials are expected to increase. When recycling such packaging materials, it is also important to establish recycling methods or plastic laminated paper separation methods. Further, separated paper and board recycling such as removing foreign matter and deinking is necessary so that the plastic may not escape into the water environment, In this paper I will introduce many examples regarding the present situation in Western countries where the switch from conventional plastic to paper packaging materials is progressed. I will also explain the trend focusing on methods separating paper and plastic from the paper-plastic composite packaging material (especially food containers) which are expected to increase in the future.

A transparent cellulose film called cellophane is produced by coagulating and regenerating viscose, a solution obtained by pulp in an alkaline solution. Cellophane is naturally derived cellulose material that biodegrades not only in soil but also in seawater, making it an environmentally friendly material. However, recycling cellophane is difficult and there is no recycling system like that for plastic film. Therefore, as a result of examining the effective use of cellophane, we have developed a process to dissolve and recycle cellophane as a part of the raw material for manufacturing.

In recent years, eco-friendly functional materials and their applications have been attracting attention toward the realization of a sustainable society. Nanocellulose is a wood-derived nanofiber that is a sustainable functional material characterized by its light weight, high strength, high heat resistance, and high transparency. This paper introduces the latest research focusing on the electrodeposition and applications of nanocellulose.