~Protecting Our Natural Heritage Project~
Mitsui Chemicals Group Donates NONROT™ Benches to Yakushima

September 26, 2014
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
Mitsui Chemicals Industrial Products Ltd.

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (President & CEO: Tsutomu Tannowa) and Mitsui Chemicals Industrial Products Ltd. (President: Masakazu Yamada) presented Yakushima (Kagoshima Prefecture; Mayor: Koji Araki) with 12 benches made by Yakusugi (ancient Yakushima cedar) craftsmen from Yakushima thinning cedar lumber using NONROT™, Mitsui Chemicals Industrial Products’ climate resistant, water repelling, antiseptic and antifungal wood care paint.

The donation is the first in Mitsui Chemicals’ “Protecting Our Natural Heritage Project” and seeks to contribute to Yakushima’s efforts to improve the island’s attraction as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Natural Heritages.

Presentation ceremony on Sep. 25, 2014 at Arakawa trailhead. (From left of center, Mayor Koji Araki, Mitsui Chemicals CSR General Manager Haruko Kokue, and Mitsui Chemicals Industrial Products General Manager Mikio Akamatsu)

The donated benches use thinning lumber from Yakushima cedar. Yakushima cedar is well-known for its relaxing and characteristically strong scent. Mitsui Chemicals Industrial Products’ NONROT™ protects wood from the environment while allowing it to regulate humidity and retain its natural scent. Made with proprietary technology, NONROT™ has durable water repellency, UV resistance, antiseptic, antifungal, and insect repellant properties.
“We are grateful to the Mitsui Chemicals Group for their support. We are still developing Yakushima’s infrastructures to allow us to fully capitalize on our status as a World Natural Heritage.” Mayor Araki continued, “We will continue our efforts to protect and preserve precious Yakushima’s natural beauty. We hope to offer both relaxation and excitement to our visitors and hope that the Mitsui Chemicals Group will continue to support us in our future endeavors.”
The Mitsui Chemicals Group will continue to contribute to society with its innovative, performance-driven technology, products, and services.

About Yakushima

Yakushima became Japan’s first World Natural Heritage in 1993. Its unique forest vegetation, which includes ancient Yakusugi (Yakushima cedar) and Jomon cedar, range from cool temperate zone to subtropical. Covered by world famous natural environment and resources, the 500 square kilometer island boasts Miyanouradake (1936m), Kyushu’s highest peak, which is visited by climbers from around the world. Yakushima’s beautiful and precious nature continues to fascinate artists, photographers, film makers, and animation directors.

Reference

Presentation Ceremony

・ September 25 (Thu) 2014 14:00 Arakawa trailhead, Yakushima
・ Participants :
Yakushima Town: Mr. Araki (Mayor, Yakushima), Mr. Matsuda
Mitsui Chemicals: Ms. Kokue (CSR General Manager)
Mitsui Chemicals Industrial Products : Mr. Akamatsu (General Manager)

Details of donation

・ Twelve NONROT™ benches made from thinning cedar lumber by Yakusugi craftsmen
・ Size : W1,600mm×D480mm×H450mm
・ Finish : NONROT™ 205N Z (Color: Light brown)
・ Reserve paint: NONROT™ 3.5Little x 8cans

Location of donated benches (5 location, 12 benches)

Arakawa trailhead 4, Shiratani Unsui Gorge 2, Senpiro Falls 2, Yakusugi Land 2, Yakusugi Museum 2

NONROT™ Uses


Attachment

Mitsui Chemicals Group Donates NONROT™ Benches to Yakushima (PDF : 737KB)PDF