In the quest for eco-friendly packaging solutions, Nihon Matai distinguishes itself with groundbreaking innovations in biodegradable materials. Shweta from Food Infotech spoke with Kei Uchida, International Marketing Partner at Nihon Matai, to explore the company’s notable advancements, challenges, and future plans. The interview provides an in-depth look at how Matai is leading the way in sustainable packaging with its pioneering technologies and strategic vision.
Kei Uchida’s insights highlight Matai’s commitment to advancing biodegradable packaging. He underscored the company’s significant achievements, including the development of a packaging film that is over 98% biodegradable, and discussed the integration of cutting-edge extrusion and lamination technologies. Uchida emphasized the challenges of cost and scalability while outlining Matai’s dedication to reducing environmental impact and driving innovation in the food packaging industry.
Kei, can you start by giving us an overview of the company?
At Nihon Matai, we have been a leading Japanese company for 70 years, specializing in the production of lamination films, large bags, and extrusion films. My role involves overseeing our innovative efforts in biodegradable packaging technologies. Currently, our focus is on developing eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging solutions for the food industry. With growing global demand for sustainable packaging, Matai is dedicated to addressing these needs with advanced and environmentally responsible solutions.
What are some of the key innovations Matai has recently introduced to the food packaging sector?
Our most notable innovation is the development of a packaging film that is over 98% biodegradable. Unlike conventional paper, which doesn’t effectively block water vapor, our biodegradable film combined with vapor-deposited cellophane does so while maintaining high levels of environmental sustainability. We have successfully created a bio-PBS (Polybutylene Succinate) film that is 30 microns thick and 100% biodegradable. This film is combined with our advanced lamination technologies to produce a highly effective, environmentally friendly packaging solution. The challenge we faced was integrating this biodegradable material into our lamination process, which we overcame by utilizing new materials and technologies, including advanced coatings.
Can you elaborate on the technological aspects behind these innovations?
Certainly, Our innovation hinges on two main technologies: extrusion and lamination. We have developed proprietary extrusion techniques to process biodegradable bio-PBS, a material that is both sustainable and effective. Additionally, our extensive experience in lamination over the past 30 to 40 years has allowed us to refine our processes to incorporate these new biodegradable materials seamlessly. By combining our expertise in both areas, we have created a packaging solution.
How does Matai address sustainability through its solutions?
We integrate biodegradable materials, mono-materials, and biomass products to enhance sustainability. Our innovative approach combines advanced technologies in extrusion and lamination, significantly reducing environmental impact. By focusing on these eco-friendly solutions, we strive to lead the packaging industry towards more sustainable practices.
How is Matai adapting to the trends in the food industry, particularly in terms of sustainability?
Adapting to industry trends involves addressing the high cost of biodegradable materials, which remains a significant barrier. To overcome this, we are focusing on increasing production volumes to reduce costs. We are actively seeking new customers and partners to scale our solutions, ensuring that our biodegradable packaging can become a viable option for more companies. Additionally, we are engaged in ongoing research to further enhance our materials and processes, aiming to make sustainable packaging more accessible and affordable.
Who are some of the major clients that Matai is aiming to work with, and what is your strategy for engaging with them?
We are currently targeting large companies, which are increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Our strategy involves demonstrating the value of our biodegradable packaging solutions through pilot projects and collaborations. By aligning with major food suppliers and leveraging their commitment to sustainability, we aim to expand our market reach and influence.
How does Matai differentiate itself from competitors in the packaging market?
Nihon Matai stands out due to our extensive experience and expertise across multiple areas of packaging, including lamination, extrusion, and large-scale bags. Our ability to integrate knowledge from these diverse fields into innovative solutions gives us a competitive edge. The development of our 98% biodegradable packaging film is a testament to our unique approach, combining advanced technology with a deep understanding of material science and application.
What are Matai’s plans for expansion, particularly in new markets like India?
Our expansion plans in India involve first establishing connections with potential customers and understanding local market needs. If we find a good partner in India, to set up a manufacturing facility, which will enable us to produce and distribute our biodegradable packaging locally is one of our option in our long-term goal. This will help us meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging in the region and contribute to global sustainability efforts.
Looking ahead, what are your company’s key goals for the next five years?
In the next five years, One of our Consideration is to make significant investments to establish production capabilities in India and potentially other emerging markets. We plan to continue enhancing our technology and expanding our product offerings, with a focus on reducing costs and increasing the availability of our biodegradable packaging solutions.
Do you have any final messages for industry leaders and potential partners?
Sustainability is more critical than ever, and biodegradable packaging is a vital part of this movement. While our film solutions may not yet be widespread in supermarkets, they represent a significant step forward in sustainable packaging. We encourage industry leaders to consider our innovative materials and join us in making a meaningful impact on the environment. Collaboration and partnerships are key to advancing these technologies and achieving our shared sustainability goals.