“Plastic-free agricultural mulch using naturally derived ingredients” for the Aichi Agricultural Innovation Recruitment Project
~It can be easily laid just by spraying, contributing to reducing work andenvironmental burden~
Nippon Paper Industries Co.,Ltd.
We are pleased to announce that the “Plastic-free agricultural mulch using naturally derived ingredients” technology proposal proposed by Nippon Paper Industries Co.,Ltd. has beenRecruitmentfor the 2026 Aichi Agricultural Innovation Project.
Until now, our tests have confirmed that microfibrillated cellulose(hereinafter referred to as“MFC”), which is acellulosefiber derived from wood, is effective in controlling weeds by adjusting it to a state where the Company it can be sprayed with a sprayer. By applying this technology, we believe that we can expect the same effect as agricultural mulch used to control weeds, so we proposed this technology.
A major feature of this technology is that MFC can be laid like agricultural mulch by simply spraying a film, and can be easily worked on by one person. Conventional agricultural mulch is laid in the form of sheets, making it difficult to work and putting a lot of load. In addition, MFC is derived from wood, so it biodegrades in the soil and does not need to be collected or disposed of after use, so there are “Gentle features” not only for workers but also for the environment. Utilizing MFCs that have been used in various applications, we aim to achieve a total cost equivalent to that of conventional agricultural mulch.
By being selected for this project, we will continue to jointly promote research and development with the cooperation of the Aichi Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station, contribute to the efficiency of agricultural work, and solve the problem of aging farmers and plastic waste.
Reference: What is the Aichi Agricultural Innovation Project?
In Aichi Prefecture, we are implementing “Aichi Agricultural Innovation Project” to strengthen the joint research system by utilizing new ideas and technologies such as startups and universities, and to create new agricultural innovations.know-how
Reference: Aichi Prefecture website
Selection of Aichi Agricultural Innovation Project Technology Proposal
URL：https://www.pref.aichi.jp/press-release/project2026final.html