Archem Inc.
1-2-70 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
108-0075

https://archem.inc/

Contribute to a carbon-neutral society simply by using this product during your daily dishwashingArchem Inc. launches Sustainable Sponge, which achieves a combination of environmental friendliness andease of use by employing its first palm-derived material

Archem Inc. (based in Minato-ku, and headed by Satoru Kusano, Global CEO; hereinafter referred to as “Archem”), which
manufactures and sells urethane products, has launched Sustainable Sponge, which provides the same feel as regular kitchen
sponges while being environmentally conscious by employing Archem’s first palm-derived material. Sustainable Sponge isavailable on Archem’s website from June 5th, 2024 onwards.

Sustainable Sponge, the launched product, employs Archem’s first palm-derived material. Although there is only a limited
number of plant-derived industrial products available around the world, Archem is contributing to a carbon-neutral society
by compounding palm-derived polyol during manufacturing to reduce effective CO2 emissions from manufacturing caused
by incineration. This product provides the same lather and air permeability as regular kitchen sponges, enabling you toeffortlessly lead an environmentally aware life simply by using it during your daily dishwashing.
Since people around the world are increasingly paying attention to being environmentally aware and to carbon neutrality,
Archem is also actively making efforts as a urethane manufacturer by considering the application of this plant material to avariety of products in the future. We will continue our research and development in order to enhance customer comfort andcontribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
■ Product features- Employs Archem’s first palm-derived material
Although regular urethane is manufactured by the reaction of petroleum-derived polyol
with polyisocyanate, this product is manufactured by compounding petroleum-derived
polyol with palm-derived polyol . Although there is only a limited number of plant-derived
industrial products available around the world, this product contributes to a carbon-neutralsociety by reducing effective CO2 emissions from manufacturing caused by incineration.

- Realization of the same feel as petroleum-derived kitchen sponges with our technological capabilities developed
over more than 70 years*
Archem has realized the same feel as petroleum-derived products by leveraging its
urethane manufacturing technology, which has been developed over more than 70 years*.
The fine texture of this urethane produces fine foams, completely cleaning dishes andcooking utensils. Additionally, a compounded antibacterial agent and enhanced airpermeability, achieved by removing the membrane that blocks the passage of water and air
through membrane removal processing, maintain the cleanliness of the sponge itself. Thisproduct can be used in the same way as general petroleum-derived sponges, enabling youto effortlessly lead an environmentally conscious life simply by using it during your daily
dishwashing.

- Size that everyone can easily use
This smallish sponge measures 65 mm wide, 110 mm long,and 30 mm thick, making it easy for everyone to use. This
sponge easily fits cylindrical items such as glasses or cooking
utensils with uneven surfaces, ensuring thorough cleaning.

■Product overview
Product name

Sustainable Sponge

Color

Off-white (uncolored)

Product image

Product dimensions (W x D x H)

65 x 110 x 30 mm each (available as a three-sponge set)

Product weightAbout 6 g each

Reference price (tax inclusive)

Discretionary price

Launch dateJune 5th, 2024

■ About Archem Inc.
Archem Inc., formerly the chemical product solution division of Bridgestone Corporation, has been involved in the research,development, manufacturing, and sale of urethane for more than 70 years. Our aim is to spread comfort to every corner ofthe world through the manufacturing and sale of various urethane products, including car seat pads, bedding mattresses,
housewares, and office equipment. We provide products by leveraging our urethane manufacturing and evaluation
technologies, as well as our integrated supply chain from design and processing to sales. We also meet the needs of ourcustomers and society through our dedicated efforts toward ESG.
*: We started manufacturing and selling mattresses in 1952 as part of the chemical product solution business of Bridgestone Corporation, which used to be ourparent company.