Start of Joint Testing with Leave a Nest to Verify Bamboo Powder Effectiveness

Tokyo, June 20, 2019 — EarthTechnica Co., Ltd., a Kawasaki group company, announced today that it has commenced joint verification testing together with Leave a Nest Co., Ltd., a company with a wealth of knowledge in agriculture, to confirm the effectiveness of bamboo material (bamboo powder) processed using a 　 SHOKUSENKI MACHINE（For Defibration,Expanding,and Moistening）

 

This equipment processes branches and twigs from trimming and other plant waste, swelling* the materials to change their properties and facilitate conversion to compost, fertilizer, livestock bedding material, and various other useful agricultural and livestock products. Bamboo can be processed via swelling to create bamboo powder, which is used as a soil conditioner in agricultural applications. Bamboo is known for its strong vitality and growth speeds, which is why abandoned or improperly controlled bamboo thickets often disturb surrounding plant life—a widespread problem throughout Japan. In response, demand is on the rise for countermeasures against damage caused by uncontrolled bamboo growth.

 

The joint verification tests between EarthTechnica and Leave a Nest are being conducted from May to July 2019 in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture, using a plant fiber processing unit manufactured, supplied and installed by EarthTechnica (model SM-18-30CR, processing capacity of 1.6–2.4 tons/hour) to produce bamboo powder. Leave a Nest is analyzing growth and harvesting results for soil and agricultural produce (mesclun / baby greens) using this bamboo powder, and then compiling data on the effects of bamboo powder on production, thus verifying the effectiveness of bamboo powder as a soil conditioner in physical, chemical and biological terms.

 

EarthTechnica is not only taking part in these joint testing operations as a manufacturer of plant fiber processing equipment, but also working with Leave a Nest to utilize test data and verification results to develop new uses for bamboo powder. In this way, EarthTechnica hopes to make further contributions to society in the fields of agriculture, forestry and environmental management, while also cultivating new business models.

 

The companies plan to present their progress and interim results at the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference Masuda Forum, which is scheduled for July 25 and will be held in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture with Leave a Nest as host.

 

Swelling process: Compressing and kneading of plant-matter waste containing moisture, followed by release of compressive pressure to achieve a swelling action. The swelling process breaks raw materials into fibers, making them more susceptible to the effects of microorganisms. This greatly reduces fermentation times and improves water and fertilizer retention, thus facilitating conversion to compost, fodder and other resources for various applications.

 

 

Reference

Overview of EarthTechnica Co., Ltd.

Head Office Location	2-4, Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative	Masaki Hamaguchi, President and Representative Director
Date of Establishment	April 1, 2003
Capital	¥1.2 billion (wholly owned subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries)
Business Activities	Design, manufacture and sale of crushing and grinding equipment, powder processing equipment, recycling equipment and facilities, pulverizing equipment, special cast steel and iron (abrasion-resistant, heat-resistant), etc.
No. of Employees	305 (as of May 1, 2019)

 

Overview of Leave a Nest Co., Ltd.

Head Office Location	1-4, Shimomiyabi-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Representative	Shuichiro Takahashi, Representative Director and COO
Date of Establishment	June 14, 2002
Capital	¥70 million
Business Activities	Planning, research, consulting and other services and activities related to education for future generations, human resources training, research, and new-company founding in the fields of science and technology
No. of Employees	69 (as of May 1, 2019)