As inkjet is a non-contact printing method, one feature of inkjet printing is that flying droplets are affected by air currents and other factors and fluctuate before impact. We focused on the fact that the randomness of that fluctuation can be moderately adjusted to give the printed state an individuality that is easy to observe. This is to say that it is possible to deliberately create print with sufficient individuality while maintaining the legibility of the text. This study verified that it is possible to adjust the same print data so that they do not result in the same print, and that the different prints can be identified as different prints by the captured image data. In the verification of this printing technology applied to semiconductor backside protection tape, it was confirmed that no significant change in printing conditions appeared before and after reliability tests assuming market distribution, and that the printing could be correctly identified. The development of this method has shown the possibility of realising authenticity and traceability of electronic components.

Each product in our imaging equipment industry acquires the environmental labels of each country in order to provide customer value for its environmental performance. Environmental labels are enacted in each country where products are sold, but the most representative environmental label among them is the German environmental label “Blue Angel”. Therefore, each country has enacted an environmental label with reference to this blue angel. In this paper, we will explain the outline of Blue Angel and the contents of regulations related to imaging equipment, and also describe the relationship between the Japan Eco Mark and electronic product environmental assessment tool (EPEAT) in the United States, as well as the flow of future regulations.

Digital printing is becoming more widely used in response to the evolution of networks and the promotion of remote work with the spread of COVID-19 infection. The materials used in their printing are toner and inkjet ink. These are composed of various chemical substance. The design must take into consideration that toner and ink do not affect the human body and safety in waste disposal. The health effects of chemicals and other substances are being studied by various organizations, and depending on the results, regulations on toner and ink will be tightened. On the other hand, it is also necessary to provide information to consumers in the form of so-called environmental labels. In this paper, we would like to describe the position of environmental labels and outlines typical environmental labels. The topics of titanium dioxide and PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in terms of chemical regulations will also be discussed, and future trends will be briefly explained. Finally, we will discuss Chinese national standards, which are not well understood, and explain the position of national standards and standards related to images.

Japan has finally taken steps toward international harmonization with the introduction of the PL system in food packaging laws and regulations. However, Japan faces many challenges. Europe and the USA share the same basic concept, but USA is likely to proceed on its own path. For the majority of the world, it can be said that the EU has become established as an international standard.

Pigments and dyes are essential materials for toner and inkjet printing. Pigments and dyes have a long history, dating back to Neanderthal man tens of thousands of years BC. However, the history of so-called synthetic pigments and dyes is still less than 200 years old. Synthetic pigments and dyes have developed mainly through German chemical manufacturers such as Hoechst. As time has passed, these chemical company have also undergone major changes, such as mergers and divestitures of its pigment division and other divisions. China and India were positioned as raw material suppliers, but have grown to become producers of crude synthetic pigments and dyes, and even synthetic pigments and dyes. Here, we will look at the transition of synthetic pigment and dye producing countries, explain the status of synthetic pigments and dyes in China and the challenges they face, and briefly introduce some representative manufacturers.

Rengo first commercialized corrugated packaging in Japan and entered paper manufacturing from early stage. Currently, its business expands to folding carton, flexible packaging, and heavy-duty packaging domestically and internationally, taking SDGs (sustainable development goals)-conscious approach. Since the high economic growth period, when corrugated packaging demand increased dramatically, polystyrene foam is widely utilized to protect products. Meanwhile, from a recycling point of view, various paper cushioning materials are developed, which Rengo also puts effort into. Recently, with the rapid e-commerce expansion, consumers catch more sight of packages delivered by couriers which increased social concern about packaging materials. Rengo focuses on paper-based packaging material development from a de-plasticization perspective and material usage reduction. It developed an auto-size-adjustable packaging system according to contents of the corrugated box, and recyclable packages based on cellophane made of wood pulp featuring high biomass and biodegradability. Rengo continues R & D to contribute to reducing environmental impact and creating a sustainable society.

In recent years, recycling of plastics has been attracting attention as a way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and achieve a circular economy. In Japan, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, containers and packaging, and home appliances are being recycled by industry. In the office equipment industry, waste plastics collected from the market are recycled into higher-performance plastics for use in copier exteriors. In order to use it for exterior, it is necessary to improve flame retardancy and flowability in the molding process in addition to mechanical properties. Therefore, we blended PET with high flowability into PC (polycarbonate), which has high impact resistance and flame resistance. Since it was not possible to obtain the desired performance simply by blending the two materials, SAN-GMA (styrene-acrylonitrile-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer) was used to control the compatible state, PETG (glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate) was used to control the crystalline state, and phosphorus-based flame retardants were used to improve flame resistance. By recycling it into highly functional plastic, we were able to expand the scope of its application, leading to a greater contribution to the environment.

All the industries make efforts to achieve SDGs and establish the circular economy as following the environmental survey and investigation by many organizations. On the other hand, Russian attack on Ukraine, any kinds of war, Corona disaster and natural hazard have been making negative impacts on the logistics seriously. Not only the response to the regulations but also the action to change fossil resource to renewable raw material are required in the coating industry. In this report we explain the possibilities of substitution by the different chemical substances, low or less impact additives on the environment and bio-based additives with/without bio-degradable properties developed by BYK.

Plant Microbial Fuel Cell generation is environment-friendly natural energy using plants. Plants take in CO₂ from the air through photosynthesis and produce sugars that help plants grow. Excess saccharides are excreted from the roots and decomposed in the soil by phytobacteria. Electricity is obtained by extracting the electrons generated at this time. This technology is compatible with the natural circulation cycle and does not adversely affect plants. It is possible to obtain energy from rivers, ponds and the sea in addition to the natural environment where plants grow. Conventionally, microbial fuel cells have been used as a technology to obtain electrical energy from soil, but in principle, the power obtained is small. Therefore, the difference in ionization tendency is used to generate voltage between electrodes to significantly improve performance. This technology has been applied to illumination, agricultural sensors, etc., and has been put to practical use.