ICKAF 2009
On December 1-3 2009 two of our executives Bob Hughes (President & CEO) and Dr. Hiroki Nanko (Director Pacific Rim) attended
the International Conference on Kenaf in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The three day conference
on kenaf and allied fibers coincided with the observance of the International Year of
Natural Fibers (IYNF) 2009 by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The goal of the conference attended by over 200 delegates
from 14 different countries was to accelerate the development, production and understanding of
kenaf and allied fibers that employs millions of people in the world.
Many of the top companies producing kenaf and allied fibers, top researchers, and top
companies using natural fiber were in attendance. Natural bio-fiber production has experienced
explosive growth in demand as a direct replacement of petroleum based synthetic fiber.
Many international companies use natural fibers in products to make them stronger,
lighter weight and lower cost.
The conference was a platform to promote and strengthen further international cooperation and networking
amongst researchers, experts and suppliers of natural fibers.
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Toyota Used Carbon Fiber & Kenaf For Experimental 1/X Car
The ultra lightweight concept car from Toyota is made from carbon fiber and kenaf bast fiber based materials.
The body frame is made from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), the same material used in the
Boeing Dreamliner fuselage and wings. Toyota says the CFRP material "is lighter and stronger than
traditional metals, creating a shock-absorbing like structure with cross-sections that help absorb
energy during an impact." Its curb weight of 926 pounds is one-third the weight of the Prius hybrid.
Metal is also replaced in the roof of the concept car.
The Toyota 1/X roof is made from a bioplastic derived from kenaf fibers and bio-plastic polymers. "The result is a roof that improves
heat insulation, emits less carbon dioxide, increases the amount of light entering the cabin, and
reduces noise," says the Toyota announcement. Kenaf has been under study as reinforcement in plastics
for more than a dozen years. Toyota has been a leader in developing bioplastics in recent years. The
Toyota 1/X was partly made with plant based fiber materials which are carbon-neutral which, means when eventually
disposed of, they will not increase overall CO2 in the environment.
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In January 2010 Our Executives Were Guests of the Japanese Government
Toyota visit (Picture of Toyota Kenaf Concept Car)
In January 2010, Bob Hughes (President & CEO) and Dr. Hiroki Nanko (Director Pacific Rim) were visiting guests of the Japanese government and met
with many companies and officials in the cities of Osaka, Nagoya, Toyota, Kyoto, and Tokyo.
BioTech Mills is presently shipping many products monthly to Japan and this trip had the primary purpose of
meeting with potential and existing customers as well as Japanese government officials in those cities and prefectures.
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© 2009 BioTech Mills, Inc. "All Rights Reserved"
