Eco-Products Exhibition 2008　Report　－Green Exhibition－

February 02, 2009 | Staff Essay

by: Shoko Sugasawa

Eco-Products Exhibition 2008 was held from Dec 11th to Dec 13th .
Today, I’d like to share my short report from Eco-Products 2008.

This year, Eco-Products made progress to become one of green exhibition.
We found many booths with decrease environmental load; using reusable parts and LED lights.
Actually, I heard from one of organizer that the amount of waste from exhibits decreased from previous years.

The picture below is OJI PAPER GROUP’s booth, which is also featured in Eco-Products official website as one of the most environmentally-friendly booth. (Japanese website)

Almost all the parts are reusable material of papers, and it achieved zero-electricity consumption.

For the exhibition in the next year, introducing environmentally-friendly booths in official website would be an incentive for other exhibitors to attract participants with green minds.

Eco-Products Exhibition was the 10th anniversary this year.
Let’s focus on how it will embark on a new chapter for making the exhibition greener.
Green booth will be reflected this year at 2009 exhibition. I hope to see creative and more greener companies/organization displaying their products/services.

Tour Report from Frank Ling (Guide Staff)

January 28, 2009 | Staff Essay

Frank Ling

Group Tour1
In the first tour, we were joined by two participants from the US embassy, two students from Switzerland and an investor from Singapore. Our tour began with an introduction through at the 10th anniversary display on Japan’s vision for Low Carbon Society.

The first booth started at METI where we discussed Japan’s efforts to invest in energy efficiency and energy production through the development of industrial technologies. The next stop was NEDO, highlighting uniquely designed wind turbine “Air Dolphin” from Zepher. Next, the group visited the Ricoh booth where we saw their paper replacement. The embassy official was quite impressed with the demonstration of the disappearing image from the heat treated plastic film.

After passing by the Casio boothsakam (cardboard based booth), we went for a tour through the Inkmax.

The next section Oji highlighted new technologies in paper recycling. There were samples showing the difference between 100% recycling paper and brand new paper.

The next stop was the Kuraray and their water purification technology. In the near future, water issues will be as important as energy issues and there will be a lot of demand for water purification and remediation technologies.

We briefly passed by the Eco-lab plaza to show how Japanese companies to improved in efficiency in their home electronics and appliances. The end uses comprise up to 30-40% of all energy use in homes and could be reduced by up to 50% depending on the innovations being employed.

Next, we visited the JFS booth on the other side of the hall.

Group Tour 2
This tour started at the 10th anniversary booth but unlike yesterday’s tour, we went around the opposite direction.

First, we went to JFS and then to SMBC.
Then, we looked at the Sekisui house and then because of interest in architecture, we stopped by the demonstration on the moss for rooftops as a cooling mechanism for buildings.

Next, we headed to the opposite side of the hall where we checked out the Eco-Labs section first. Then, we went by the bioplastics booth, which described plastics being made from rice.

We went by the paper recycling demo and then briefly stopped by InkMax. Finally, we saw the Ricoh booth and then NEDO’s air dolphin wind turbine.

Individual Tour 1
Participant was interested in catalytic material produced by Mitsubishi materials. He was interested in building materials that could break down NOx pollutants and had a potential licensee in China. Afterwards, we discussed investment opportunities in cleantech. We concluded that there is great potential for Japan to license its technologies.

Individual Tour 2
From tour 2, participant was journalist from publishing company. We examined some from the highlights from the group tours including JFS, building materials, InkMax, and Ricoh as well as Fuji Xerox.

The top 10 environment-related news items for 2008

January 16, 2009 | Staff Essay

by: Shoko Sugasawa

NIKKEI disclosed the top 10 environment-related news items for 2008 on 26th November.
3695 viewers of NIKKEI web voted for the ranking.
http://eco.nikkei.co.jp/news/today/article.aspx?id=MMECn2001025112008 (Japanese)

Here are top 3news from the ranking.
No1.Green car l（electric car and hybrid car）has started to phase into actual spread period
No2Growing numbers of eco-bag and movements of reducing uses of plastic bag
No3.Japanese government declared to aim 50% CO2 reduction by 2050 in the Toya-ko　Lake Summit.

One of the biggest green news for 2008 in Japan were related to “green car”. This was unexpected, because I don’t use car in my daily life.
On the other hand, I was more familiar with number two ranked news In Tokyo, clerks in convenience stores started ask their customers whether they need plastic bag or not, and I am happy to see increase in the number of young people with eco-bags .
About No3, I saw few models of green lifestyle which enables us to cut 50% of CO2 emission in Eco-Products Exhibition this year.
Here are the lists of examples of green ideas from the model; 1)Filtering drainage from kitchen and watering it for vegetable garden, 2)Shifting lights to LED and powering them by solar energy generated in balcony.

What is biggest green news for 2008 in your country?

Kids at Eco-Products Exhiibition

December 05, 2008 | Eco-Products 2008

Writer: Kota Tsukashima

When you walk around the inside of Eco-Products Exhibition, you will notice that numerous children attend this large event. The Eco-Products Exhibition has an eyes on environmental education for future generations to come.

The organizers display various eco-products education service for elementary, middle, and high schools students. There seems to be some very positive responses from children at the event every year. This year, about 20,000 students are expected to come! So, this exhibition holds key for future generation of Japan!

Many exhibitors are preparing materials and service to educate kids attending the exhibition.
For example, Kyocera is planning quiz and games that relates to energy problems and solar power generation. Companies, organizations, and governments are working aggressively to offer ideas how environmental issues are related in our daily lives.
.

This exhibition is not only for adults, but for big “Eco-kai” for the children. We are responsible to make space for children to learn about environmental technology, movement, and service can lead us to eco-economy. Please bring your kids!

Carbon footprint in Japan

November 25, 2008 | Staff Essay

by: Shoko Sugasawa

One of Japanese largest brewery company, Sapporo breweries has announced to release canned beer with its carbon footprint label in 2009.

Carbon footprint is an index which shows the amount of GHG emitted during whole lifecycle of goods or services. Lifecycle includes production, use, and disposal.

The movement of carbon footprint has started in UK.[carbon reduction label]
Carbon Reduction Label is created by UK's leading authority, the Carbon trust.

http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/default.ct
The Carbon trust has conducted experimental projects of Carbon Reduction Label　with several companies in UK.As a international movement concerning carbon footprint, ISO has started to consider adding a calculation of carbon footprint to ISO standards.

In Japan, Ministry of Economy,Trade and Industry(METI) has been addressing on setting up a domestic committee to aim establishment of carbon footprint policy.
METI will also exhibit sample products with carbon footprint calculated by dozens of companies in Eco-Products Exhibition 2008. Issues of carbon footprint in Japan has just started.

「Carbon footprint in Japan」More

Special Displays and Events

November 13, 2008 | Eco-Products 2008

Writer: Kota Tsukashima

In the Eco-Products Exhibition, the displays of companies and organizations are not the only things to see. The organizers are preparing some special exhibits and events where visitors can learn and experience goodness of eco-friendly lifestyle. Let me introduce you some of these special booths.

[10th Anniversary Theme Exhibit]

The theme for this year’s exhibition is “We Can Do It! Eco-lifestyle with a 50% CO2 Reduction”. To pace down the current global warming, it is said that the 50% reduction of CO2 emission is necessary. It is a difficult goal, but if we make full use of the latest technologies gathered in the exhibition, it is not impossible to accomplish this goal. In this theme zone, you will have chance to observe the latest eco-technologies and feel the solution of 50% CO2 reduction is very easy process in our daily lifestyle. The presentation of new eco-technology presents possibilities of sustainable society in our near future.

[Eco Products Market]

The theme for this year’s market is “GO! GO! GREEN!!!.” You can purchase all kinds of eco-products from here: fair trade goods, tea, cosmetics, fresh vegetables and so on. I remember seeing various organic cotton goods and bamboo wares when I went last year. It was even fun just watching these products.

[Carbon Offset Exhibition]

This booth is exhibited by the collaboration of Japanese environmental magazine “Sotokoto” and Eco Products. It displays goods and services that play a important part in the CO2 reduction of shops and cafés.

I have shown only a few examples here, but there are a lot more events like these at the exhibition. (Bio-plastic Pavilion, Natural Food Court, Outdoor and Eco-tourism, Eco-collaboration Plaza, and many more.) If you have time, try going to these events also. It’s one way to fully enjoy the Eco Products Exhibition.

Greening by Moss

November 05, 2008 | Staff Essay

by: Shoko Sugasawa

Greening projects using moss have been conducted at many sites in Japan in recent years in order to deal with the heat-island effect*.
*abnormal warming of the urban atmosphere due to the heat concentration

In addition to its features of absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) outputs and lowering the surface temperature of buildings, a moss panel can be easily attached and does not require maintenance efforts. An increasing number of companies are using these panels for greening buildings.
26th October 2008,Japan for Sustainability
http://www.japanfs.org/db/2238-e

Because it has been used for Japanese garden or it was sung in famous traditional songs,moss is familiar to Japanese people.
In Kyoto, there is a temple called "Koke-dera" whose garden is covered by moss.
The word "Koke" means moss, and "dera" means temple.

In Eco-Products Exhibition, there are some booths which introduce their greening goods using moss.

Ex. Valore Corp.
International Environment Design Association. Co, Ltd
Moss yamagata
Moss World,Inc.

pic.[International Environment Design Association. Co, Ltd]

Eco-Friendly Event

October 31, 2008 | Eco-Products 2008

Writer: Kota Tsukashima

Since Eco-Products exhibition started in 1999, exhibition is marking its 10th anniversary this year. Since the exhibition began, the number of exhibitors and visitors has kept on increasing every year, and the scale of the exhibition has grown in size greatly. With an increase in number of visitors and size, the Eco- Products is making a lot of effort to reduce pressure on the environment and to make the exhibition an eco-friendly event. Let me introduce you some of their actions.

One of their actions is the “Eco-Products Zero Garbage Project”. All the trash in the exhibition will be sorted into 11 different kinds of materials. For example, when you throw away a coke bottle, it will be separated into three parts: plastic bottle, bottle cap, and plastic label. The plastic bottle will turn into a polyester material, and the cap and the label into a PET material. The leftover food will be composted or used as livestock feed. The sorted garbage will be weighed, composted for transportation, and recycled into a new material.

Another action is the use of natural energy. In the exhibition, 140,000kWh of electricity is used. This is all covered by the natural energy, which is generated by wind power and biomass energy. For an example,the electricity used for illumination, screens, and so on are all run by clean energy.

The exhibition is also calling for companies to display showpieces that are reusable and recyclable as much as possible. If any material has to be disposed, ones that are mostly clean will be recycled and ones that are not will be used as a fuel. They will use LED illumination lights to lessen the electrical power consumption, and introducing bio-plastic carpets.

When you visit the exhibition, take a look around and see how these actions are done!

Japanese Biodiversity

October 25, 2008 | Staff Essay

by: Shoko Sugasawa

Ministry of the Environment has announced opening information providing website
about biodiversity and holding skull session for COP10.
These announcements are preparations for COP10 and MOP5 in 2010 in Aichi,Japan.
The countdown to COP10 is shown on the top page of the website.
http://www.biodic.go.jp/biodiversity/ (Japanese)

Japan has fostered a wealth of biodiversity in its various natural environment
formed by Japanese unique lifestyles.

For example, do you know the word "satoyama"?
It means an agricultural area located between human settlements
and hilly areas, where the ecosystem has been managed and maintained
by the local community. The methods used are in harmony with nature
and support biodiversity.

A typical satoyama is mainly composed of planted coppice forests
around villages, together with rice fields, other agricultural plots,
water reservoirs, and grasslands, etc.
Many coppice forests were poorly managed in Japan for the half-century
after the country's main energy source shifted from firewood to petroleum,
thus leading to biodiversity loss.
In recent years, not only in satoyama, but in many places in Japan,
the significance of biodiversity has come to be recognized.

In Eco-Products Exhibition, there is the biodiversity area.
In that area, they will introduce the activities of preserving biodiversity
by the private sector.Ex1.Establishing suitable environment for living things
on the streets or rooftops of buildings in urban area.
Ex2.Supporting preservation of unused agricultural land
or nature in city fringes.

Visiting this corner would be a chance to learn Japanese biodiversity
and think about biodiversity in your country or the entire globe.

The English Guided Tour

October 20, 2008 | Eco-Products 2008

Writer: Kota Tsukashima

The Eco-Products Exhibition is held not only for Japanese people who are interested, but also for those from outside of Japan. Last year, about 164,903 foreign visitors came to this exhibit. You might think it would be difficult to understand for those that are not fluent in Japanese. Not to worry, there is an English guided tour for those who want an English support.

In the English guided tour, the participants gather into groups of four and from each group six people are able to participate. The tour group will take a 60 minute trip through the exhibition and general information about exhibition can be attained. You will be able to know some of recommendation spots in each area. In order to attain detailed information about specific critera or from each booth, there is an individual private tour after the group tour. In this private tour, staff member will support you to attain information that you want from each exhibitors. This private tour is also 60 minutes long.
Here is the schedule of the tour:

Date:
- 1st session Dec.12 (Fri) (13:30-14:30)
- 2nd session Dec.13 (Sat) (13:30-14:30)
＊Pre-registration is needed to join the tour. If you wish to attend this English tour, please access the URL below and fill in the application form.
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/027728.html

In 2007, there were 45 anticipants in two days. The groups visited Asahi Breweries, Sharp Corporation, Dowa EcoSystem, and the Future of Biomass (a special section). I was a support staff of this English tour and I felt it was corresponding widely with the anticipants. Each guests varied from ambassadors, industry, research institute, media groups, and so on. Anyone who is interested can join the tour. For more information about the last year’s tour, visit the website below.
http://www.japanfs.org/en/aboutus/event/pages/009884.html

Following the tour, we have new service called “networking café”. At this café, the anticipants will actually be able to discuss and make connection with the exhibiting companies. It is expected to become a birth ground for new eco-business chances.

The fair is a great opportunity to attain information about current environmental issues and technology in Japan. And we are there top support you with language assistance. There will be Chinese and Korean tours are also available this year!

The Banana Textile Project

October 10, 2008 | Staff Essay

by: Shoko Sugasawa

This is a picture of students from Tama Art University' giving a present to Paul Kagame.
(President of Rwanda)

photo:Banana blog -Japanese-

This colorful garment is made from an unexpected material.
You may be surprised that this material is made from banana stalk.

"The Banana Textile Project" by Tama Art University.
For more information please visit URL link below.
http://www.tamabi.ac.jp/kyoumu/gendaigp/banana/index.html

"The Banana Textile Project" started from year 2000, with an aim to preserve environment and support developing countries through construction of fabric production system.
(In tropical countries, mass disposal of banana stalk has become a problem.)

"The Banana Textile Project" is also a part of the curriculum of Tama University.
I'd like to focus on some of the appealing points about this curriculum.

First, work in this class will support people in developing countries. Many students will be motivated to study this course to realize and take action toward the problems of global issues.

Second, students have oportunities to join special lectures. For example,
presenters varies from enviromental activist to CEO from big corporation.

After the project, each student will cultivate knowledge or interest he or she receive in this project.
In addition to tangible meaning like reduction of banana stalk disposal,
these influences for students are also significant point of this project.

Tama Art University will join Eco-Products Exhibition this year and will display creative project like “The Banana Textile Project”.

Eco-lifestyle with 50% Reduction of CO2

October 02, 2008 | Eco-Products 2008

Writer: Kota Tsukashima

The main theme for this year’s Eco-Products is to reduce 50% CO2 from daily lifestyle.
CO2-50%

As you may know, the greenhouse gas emission is great problem and source that contributes to global warming. To cool down our Earth, we must cut down 50% of CO2 exhaustion by 2050.

This may seem difficult, but it can be reached by changing our everyday lifestyles. For example, we use many electronic products in our daily life. By using new energy-saving electronic devises, we can save a lot more energy than before.

(here is example from last year)

Japanese companies have advanced technologies to manufacture energy saving products. The oil shock in 1973 led to people’s concerns about energy issues. The Japanese government carried out a policy to call for people and companies to save energy. This led to Japan’s advanced technologies. You will be able to see and feel their latest technologies and goods at the Eco-Products Exhibition.

Of course, the exhibition itself is also working on CO2 reduction. The electricity used in the exhibition is all covered by “green electricity”(which is generated by wind power and biomass energy). All the scraps from the exhibition that are recyclable will be recycled. The Eco-Products is aiming for an environmentally friendly exhibition.

If you are interested, come to the exhibition and see what you can do to live an eco-life!

Furoshiki - Japanese traditional cloth -

September 25, 2008 | Staff Essay

by: Shoko Sugasawa

Hello, everyone.I'm Shoko Sugasawa, a writer of staff Essay in the Eco-Navigator.

This year in 2008, will be the 10th Anniversary for Eco-Products Exhibition.
I like to introduce you to eye-catching eco-friendly products and services from Eco-Products Exhibition, and ongoing green news in Japan.

Today's topic is "Furoshiki", Japanese traditional cloth for wrapping.
Why is Furoshiki considered as eco friendly products?　Furoshiki can be used again and again, and it became public limelight where Japanese are worrying about using unnecessary wrapping from stores..

One of the amazing things about Furoshiki is that it requires your free imagination to make it work. From 1 cloth, you can wrap a broad range of things in various of shapes . You can devise creative way to wrap things by changing the fold or tie them up.
With Furoshiki, even bottles in different sizes can be wrapped up like this!

I wrapped these bottles by myself.

After undoing knots, it can be fold into compact and easy to carry Furoshiki.
So some people in Japan carry them as Eco-bags.In this web site, you can find creative ways to wrap with Furoshiki. I'm sorry it's only in Japanese, but you can see them by clicking small photos.
http://www.kakefuda.co.jp/furoshiki/index.html

Some people use Furoshiki even for babies!

Photo:Kakefuda Kyoto

I think Furoshiki is eco-products with significant features, it has capabilities to stimulate people's imagination by using it.

Here are my thoughts about eco-products:
When you feel inconvenience in your life, please think about things you have now instead of buying new products. When you buy new products, please imagine about how these products can change your life and make an impact to the world.

To realize sustainable society, imagination is one of most important thing.
Please arouse your imagination while reading this blog.
And if you get interested in Japanese eco-products, why don't you come Eco-products Fair?
We're looking forward to sharing eco-products info from all over the world with you at Tokyo Big Sight!

Writer:Shoko Sugasawa

September 20, 2008 | Staff Profile

Name: Shoko Sugasawa

Age: 21

College: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

Interests: reading books, camping, canoeing, listening to music, watching films

Favorite food: Miso soup (Japanese traditional home-cooked soup)

I'm Shoko Sugasawa, the writer of Staff Essay in the Eco-Navigator.
I'm interested in environmental issues around the world, especially about simple life and biodiversity.
I love to go out camping and get in touch with beautiful scenery and find interesting creatures in the nature.

For those interested in environmental issues,Eco-Products Exhibition would be the most informative and enjoyable event.You will get creative ideas and helpful hints for your business.
Look forward to seeing you at Tokyo Big Sight!

About the Eco-Products 2008 Exhibition

September 19, 2008 | Eco-Products 2008

Writer: Kota Tsukashima

This year, the Eco-Products 2008 Exhibition will be held
at Tokyo Big Site in December 11th to 13th.

This exhibition is the largest environmental event in Japan,
where companies and organizations will display their eco-friendly products.
These actions and efforts will largely contribute to the world
by showing new approaches toward sustainable society.

About 700 organizations will anticipate and about 170,000 people
are expected to come to this event. Many visitors outside of Japan
come and anticipate this exhibit every year.

The exhibit has been going on since 1999,
so it will be marking its 10th anniversary this year.
It is also the first year of five-year commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.
Year 2008 is a very meaningful year for both Japan and global environment issues.

Last year, I have attended to Eco-Products for the first time.
There was a whole lot to see, and a whole lot of new discoveries.
I believe this exhibition is a great chance for those who want to make
eco-business or to learn about the latest eco-lifestyles.

So why not come and visit the Eco-Products Exhibition this year?
It will be a great experience!

[Name] The 10th Eco-Products 2008 - Eco Style Fair
(http://www.eco-pro.info/eco2008/english/index.html)
[Date] December 11th (Thu) - 13th (Sat), 2008
[Place] Tokyo Big Site
(http://www.bigsight.jp/english/index.html)

Writer: Kota Tsukashima

September 18, 2008 | Staff Profile

Name: Kota Tsukashima

Age: 22

College: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

Hobby (Interests): listening to music, playing music, reading books, go on a walkabout

Favorite musicians: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Oasis, Nirvana, the Offspring, Mogwai, and so on

Favorite food: Goya Champloo (a type of cuisine in Okinawa)

I’m Kota Tsukashima, and I will be the writer for this series of introducing what Eco-Products Exhibition is about. I major in landscape ecology at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, and am very interested in the environmental issues occurring around the world. Last year was the first time I attended the Eco-Products Exhibition. There was a whole lot to see, and a whole lot of new discoveries. I believe this exhibition is a great chance for those who want to make eco-business or to learn about the latest eco-lifestyles. So why not come and visit the Eco-Products Exhibition this year? It will be a great experience!

Eco-Navigator has just opened!

September 17, 2008 | Eco-Products 2008

Eco-Navigator has just opened!

Information about Eco-Products Fair 2008 will be provided through this blog.

**Fair Overview**

Title: The 10th Eco-Products 2008 - Eco Style Fair
Opening hours: December 11 (Thu.)-13 (Sat.), 2008
10:00a.m.-6:00p.m. (until 5:00p.m. on the last day)
Venue: Tokyo International Exhibition Center "TOKYO BIG SIGHT" (East Hall)
Organized by: Japan Environmental Management Association for Industry (JEMAI)
Nikkei Inc.
Admission: Free

For more information, please go to Eco-Products 2008 Website.
Eco-Products 2008 official site