-CNF is a new local resource for realizing a decarbonized society-

Nanocellulose Japan
Representative of CNF Open Innovation School

Kyoto University
Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere
Professor/Cordination Fellow

Dr. Masayoshi Watanabe

CNF has the potential to greatly contribute to regional economic development as a new regional resource. The raw material for CNF is a carbon-neutral material that utilizes abundant forest resources in the region, and is one of the most anticipated innovative materials for realizing a carbon-free society. At this symposium, we will introduce advanced practical examples aiming at Green transformation (GX) of regional economies using CNF, and together we will think about key points for realizing regional innovation in the future.

Shizuoka University
Faculty of Global Interdisplinary Science and Innovation
Associate Professor, Chairman of Fuji City CNF Platform

Prof. Kenji Aoki

Doctor of Engineering, The University of Tokyo(1999)
October 2001-September 2017, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.
October 2017-March 2023, Shizuoka University, Faculty of Agriculture, Specially Appointed Professor
April 2023- present

Current initiative of Shikoku CNF platform for promoting regional CNF research and development activities and introduction of a CNF dewatering and sheet making technology

Ehime University
Paper Industry Innovation Center of Ehime-university
Director, Paper Industry Innovation Center of Ehime-university/ Chairman, Shikoku CNF Platform

Prof. Hiromi Uchimura

1983 Odawara Plant, Printing Agency, Ministry of Finance
1986 Researcher, Research Institute, Printing Agency, Ministry of Finance
1991 Visiting Researcher, Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Tokyo
2001 Chief Researcher, Department of Paper Manufacturing Research, Research Institute, Printing Bureau, Ministry of Finance
2005 Officer, Division of Development, Research Institute, National Printing Bureau
2009 Counselor, Department of Security Products, Research Institute, National Printing Bureau
2010 Professor, New Paper Industry Program, Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University
2014 Director, Paper Industry Innovation Center, Ehime University
2019 Distinguished Professor, Ehime University

1.Shikoku CNF platform was founded in May 2016 to promote creation and development of CNF related industry based on CNF R&D activities in Shikoku. Major activities of Shikoku CNF platform are conducted to improve knowledge and skills for practical use of CNF. Shikoku CNF platform provides the three stages (learning, experiencing, conducting) intended for researchers and business persons having interests in CNF applications.
2. CNF slurry with a high water content (> 98%) is usually supplied because CNFs are generally produced in a relatively large volume water. CNF dewatering is an important issue because this process affects various product developments.
Thus, an original dewatering CNF machine equipped with multiple wires and suction boxes has been developed to dehydrate CNF with a high-water retention. In addition, a CNF sheet making machine, with which CNF sheet can be continuously produced, has been fabricated recently.

Kyoto University
Professor, RISH

Prof. Hiroyuki Yano

Dr. Yano graduated from the Department of Forestry and Wood Science, Kyoto University in 1982. In 1998 he joined the Kyoto University Wood Research Institute as an associate professor, and became a professor at the University’s Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere in 2004. He was a president of Japan Nanocellulose Forum from 2014 to 2016. He received Japan Wood Research Society Award in 2009, 37th Honda Prize in 2016, TAPPI Nanotechnology Division Award in 2017 and The Cellulose Society of Japan Award in 2022.