Bio-based plastic materials will be used in Toshiba’s molded transformers to support carbon neutrality and sustainable manufacturing goals.
Japan-based Mitsui Chemicals has announced that its biomass-based plastics, produced using the mass balance approach, have been incorporated into plastic components used in molded transformers manufactured by Toshiba Industrial Products and Systems Corporation. The move is aimed at supporting carbon-emission reduction efforts while ensuring the high levels of performance, safety, and reliability required in industrial electrical equipment.
The biomass plastics are being utilized in several plastic parts of Toshiba’s molded transformers that meet Japan’s upcoming 2026 Top Runner energy-efficiency standards. In addition, the materials have also been adopted for coils used in extra-high-voltage molded transformers, expanding the application of sustainable materials in advanced power infrastructure.
Mitsui Chemicals stated that the plastics are manufactured from renewable biomass resources through the mass balance method. This approach enables bio-based feedstocks to be incorporated into existing production systems while delivering the same physical characteristics and performance as conventional petroleum-derived plastics. By adopting these materials, the companies aim to advance sustainability initiatives without compromising product quality or operational efficiency.
The collaboration reflects a growing trend within the electrical and industrial manufacturing sectors to integrate lower-carbon materials into products, supporting broader environmental goals and the transition toward more sustainable manufacturing practices.