SDG12｜LIMEX - An alternative material for plastics and paper

To promote responsible consumption and production:<br />
Due to its unique feature of our new material, LIMEX sheets used as paper alternatives can be upcycled into plastic alternatives. This upcyclability incentivise people to collect the post-use sheets for the second life. In line with SDG12.2 promoting efficient use of precious raw materials, LIMEX can minimise the impact on material availability, unlike pulp-based paper and petrochemicals, with the abundance of limestone on the earth. Furthermore, as SDG12.5 aims, LIMEX can promote highly efficient material recycling even in countries like Japan where combustion is widely used as final treatment. <br />
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To minimise the use of water and minimise the risk of deforestation:<br />
LIMEX requires almost no water and no trees to produce, which is contrary to conventional pulp-based paper. With this feature, LIMEX sheets used as alternatives to paper can contribute to SDG6.4 and SDG15.1. We quantify the extent of contribution through our website “LIMEX Action”(https://tb-m.com/limexaction/).<br />
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To minimise the risk of plastic pollution:<br />
Plastic alternative products made of LIMEX can reduce the amount of plastics. By containing limestone, a natural material harmless to the planet, more than 50%, we believe LIMEX could be a solution to plastic pollution. Biodegradable LIMEX is also under a commercialization process to contribute to SDG14.1.<br />
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To minimise the impact on climate change:<br />
LIMEX can also reduce the amount of lifecycle GHG emissions because of its simple production process. TBM conducts lifecycle assessment to verify and improve the performance of the material in alignment with SDG9.4 and SDG13.1.<br />
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To revitalize the affected/vulnerable areas:<br />
TBM has established its first manufacturing plant in Miyagi prefecture in Japan, a part that was affected by the earthquakes and tsunami in 2015. This is upon a strong desire of the CEO to create jobs and an industry in the area. Additionally, TBM made an agreement with the Saudi Arabian Government for its LIMEX’s feasibility study in order to contribute to the country where little water and trees are available.<br />
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To maximise the positive impacts on people and the planet:<br />
- Collaboration with local governments: Ministry of Economy, Technology, and Industry of Japan has been supportive to our activities with generous subsidies. Local governments with SDGs at the core of their policy such as Kanagawa prefecture and Sabae City in Fukui Prefecture are the partners for TBM in the expansion of its positive impacts via business.<br />
- ESG Information disclosure: Even though TBM is not a publicly-listed company, ESG disclosure has been a part of its business activities. Voluntary response to CDP questionnaire is a mere example of the company’s attitude.<br />
- Validation of activities: Not just appealing its contribution to SDGs, TBM conducts joint research with scientific experts to assess LIMEX’s environmental impacts. A lab at a Japanese leading university, University of Tokyo, and a Japanese leading environmental consultancy, JEMAI, have been partners in the process.