
Futamura Chemical Announces NatureSphere™ - A Forest-Based Revolution in Ecosystem Conservation
NAGOYA, Japan, April 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Futamura Chemical introduces NatureSphere™, an innovative 100% natural cellulose material designed to seamlessly return to Earth's ecosystems.
NatureSphere™ replaces conventional microplastics with forest-derived cellulose beads that biodegrade in Earth's ecosystems within weeks—not centuries like traditional plastics.
These biodegradable beads, derived from sustainably managed forests, offer industry and consumers a guilt-free alternative to plastic microbeads. Unlike synthetic alternatives, NatureSphere™ naturally degrades into water, CO₂, and biomass—whether in ocean, soil, or air—leaving no trace of microplastic pollution. This breakthrough technology aligns with global efforts to address pressing concerns about biodiversity loss and ocean degradation, while restoring nature's balance.
Harmonizing Industry with Nature
NatureSphere™ embodies a closed-loop philosophy that mirrors the natural cycle of growth and decomposition. By sourcing wood pulp from certified forests, Futamura ensures minimal ecosystem disruption while supporting reforestation. The solvent-free manufacturing process eliminates airborne toxins and water pollution, protecting plant and animal habitats while transforming routine product manufacturing into environmental stewardship. As industry faces pressure to adopt circular models, NatureSphere™ offers a scalable solution that prioritizes planetary health over resource extraction.
Green Consumers in an Era of Climate Change
With 93% of consumers now prioritizing sustainability, NatureSphere™ meets the demand for environmentally conscious products. Its rapid biodegradability supports urban green initiatives, from reducing heat islands through natural cooling to improving waterway health through toxin filtration. Futamura's 70-year legacy in compostable materials, including NatureFlex™ films, reinforces trust in our commitment to regenerative practices. "Every NatureSphere™ bead is a pledge to future generations," says Yasuo Nagae, President of Futamura. By choosing this innovative material, brands and consumers actively participate in reimagining supply chains. As industries pivot toward circular economies, Futamura's innovation combines ecological responsibility with cutting-edge functionality, offering brands a trusted solution to reduce microplastic pollution while positively impacting consumers and the world.
For media inquiries, please contact: Public Relations Department, Futamura Chemical Co., Ltd. [marketing@futamuragroup.com]
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f55c9a3b-e70f-4f4e-ba1e-b2620e9ed115
A video accompanying this announcement is available at

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Cision Canada
3 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Dime Community Bank Selects Quantifind to Strengthen Sanctions Screening in Payments
PALO ALTO, Calif., June 4, 2025 /CNW/ -- Dime Community Bancshares, Inc., the holding company for Dime Community Bank, a New York State-chartered trust company with over $14 billion in assets and the number one deposit market share among community banks on Greater Long Island (1), has chosen Quantifind's AI-powered risk intelligence platform to enhance its sanctions screening for payments. Faced with increasing regulatory scrutiny and growing complexity in global transactions, Dime sought a more precise and scalable solution to strengthen its compliance program while maintaining efficient operations. After a competitive evaluation, Dime selected Quantifind for its advanced capabilities in risk detection and seamless integration into existing workflows. "Our partnership with Quantifind represents a significant advancement in our compliance capabilities," said Michael Fegan, CTO, Dime Community Bank. "Quantifind's AI-driven platform equips us to protect our customers and communities while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance." "We're proud to partner with Dime Community Bank and extend our support to mid-market banks that are critical to the financial ecosystem," said Graham Bailey, Quantifind COO. "Quantifind's solutions are designed to empower banks of all sizes to tackle financial crime with unparalleled speed, accuracy, and scalability." Quantifind's commitment to supporting mid-market banks reflects a broader mission to deliver purpose-built AI solutions that help institutions of all sizes detect and mitigate financial crime risks. About Dime Community Bank Dime Community Bank, headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, has served its community since 1864. With over 60 locations across the New York metropolitan area, which includes the five boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester County, Dime offers a comprehensive range of financial services for individuals and businesses. About Quantifind Quantifind is a leader in financial crime intelligence automation. Its Graphyte™ platform delivers real-time, accurate risk assessments by integrating internal data with unstructured public information, enabling organizations to uncover hidden threats and strengthen compliance with speed, accuracy, and scale. ¹ Aggregate deposit market share for Kings, Queens, Nassau & Suffolk counties for community banks with less than $20 billion in assets. Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Media Contact Annalisa Camarillo EVP of Marketing, Quantifind Email: [email protected] SOURCE Quantifind


Cision Canada
4 hours ago
- Cision Canada
EY Canada celebrates innovative leaders strengthening the Canadian business landscape Français
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year ® program recognizes more than 130 finalists TORONTO, June 4, 2025 /CNW/ - Traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples – EY Canada proudly announces the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year ® 2025 regional finalists, recognizing the achievements of more than 130 entrepreneurs. These individuals not only drive innovation — they also play a crucial role in strengthening the Canadian business landscape. The finalists have been selected by an independent judging panel for their entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, community impact and purpose. "This year's finalists are not just business leaders, they are visionaries who are shaping their industries and communities," says Rachel Rodrigues, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Canada Program Director. "From technology to hospitality, energy, real estate, health, wellness and more, these entrepreneurs are tackling challenges head on and finding innovative solutions that benefit us all." View the full list of regional finalists here: EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Pacific finalists EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Prairies finalists EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Ontario finalists EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Eastern finalists In a time when Canadian businesses face unprecedented challenges, supporting entrepreneurs is more important than ever before. The program celebrates entrepreneurs who play a vital role in fostering local innovation and job creation, and drive economic growth. "Entrepreneurs have shown that with determination and agility, it's possible to thrive even in tough times," says Rodrigues. "We're proud to champion business leaders who drive our country forward." The program is an integral part of EY's broader mission to support entrepreneurship in Canada. It works in tandem with the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ and Entrepreneurs Access Network programs in empowering the next generation of business leaders while fostering an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem. What's next? The independent panel of judges will select regional award winners and an overall winner from each region, who will be announced in October. Overall regional winners will then compete at the national level in November for the title of Canada's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025. The overall Canadian winner will go on to compete in Monaco for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ in 2026. Last year's winner, Ken Harris of Plusgrade — developers of leading ancillary revenue solutions for the travel industry — is in Monaco this week to represent Canada on the world stage for EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2025. More information Visit for more program details and follow #EOYCanada on social media for the latest program updates. About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year ® The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program shines a spotlight on entrepreneurs across Canada who master the artful balance of passion, determination, character and skill to create businesses that address the most complex challenges and build a better working world. By joining the program, you'll have the opportunity to celebrate success with your team, inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and gain access to an exclusive global network of program participants to help you build connections, fuel success and navigate long-term growth. The 2025 Pacific independent judging panel comprises Ryan Barrington-Foote, President, Jim Pattison Group; Curtis Braber, CEO, BE Power Equipment; Abi Coman-Walker, COO, Acuitas Therapeutics; Peter Cowan, CEO, Innovate BC; Stephen Lee, CEO, Musqueam Capital Corp.; Aisha Yang, Co-Founder and CEO, Herbaland Naturals Inc. The 2025 Prairies independent judging panel comprises Kai Fahrion, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Zeno Renewables; Debbie Gust, President, WOW! Factor Desserts Ltd.; Denis Jones, President, CEO and Chairperson, Deveraux Group of Companies; Jennifer Massig, CEO, MAGNA Engineering; Aleem Virani, CEO, KV Capital. The 2025 Ontario independent judging panel comprises Len Anderson, CEO, Renaissance Repair and Supply; Gavin Armstrong, Founder and CEO, Lucky Iron Life; Sandra Bosela, Co-Head Private Markets Group, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Private Equity, OPTrust; Kathy Cheng, President, Redwood Classics Apparel; Nicolas Mulroney, Co-Founder, Chairman, CEO and President, Bond Bakery Brands Limited. The 2025 Eastern independent judging panel comprises Pelra Azondekon, Managing Director, asterX | Québecor; Isabelle Côté, CEO, Coffrages Synergy Formwork; Jean-François Côté, former President and CEO, Sharethrough; Christian Fabi, Partner, Novacap; Serge Harnois, CEO, Harnois Énergies; Orlane Panet, Co-Founder and CEO, MicroHabitat Urban Farming. This year's regional program sponsors are BC Business, Cozen O'Connor, OG100, Vaco and national sponsors are Air Canada, TSX Inc., The Globe and Mail and The Printing House. About EY EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories. All in to shape the future with confidence. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP. SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)


Cision Canada
7 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Alkegen Enters Full Production of EV Battery Fire Protection Aerogels Français
World's Largest Supplier of Cell Spacers Delivering OEMs a Full Portfolio of Advanced Thermal Solutions IRVING, Texas, June 4, 2025 /CNW/ -- Alkegen, a world leading supplier of cell spacers, today announced the full-scale commercial production of its proprietary fiber-enhanced aerogel insulation for electric vehicle (EV) battery fire protection. This launch marks Alkegen's strategic product portfolio expansion for the EV market, delivering a comprehensive portfolio of advanced thermal and electrical insulation materials for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). With the addition of aerogels to its offering, Alkegen now provides OEMs with end-to-end insulation solutions optimized for performance, design flexibility, and scalable production. "We've taken a platform that's already proven itself in the industrial space and scaled it for one of the fastest-growing markets in the world—EV battery safety," said Alkegen CEO John Dandolph. "Automakers no longer have to rely on a single supplier in North America for this mission-critical solution." At the heart of this expansion is AlkeGel™, Alkegen's next-generation, high performance fiber-aerogel composite, engineered to meet OEM demand for ultra-thin, safe, and easy-to-install thermal runaway protection for lithium-ion battery systems. Unlike traditional aerogels, AlkeGel™ is low-dust, eliminating the need for full encapsulation and allowing for simpler and more cost-effective part designs that integrate more easily into space-constrained EV battery packs. "Automakers need reliable, scalable partners. With AlkeGel™, they now have a superior choice," said Chad Cannan, Alkegen's Chief Technology Officer. "AlkeGel™ has proven to be significantly less dusty than traditional aerogel insulations—making it easier to convert, safer to handle, and more adaptable to complex part geometries." With the addition of aerogels, Alkegen builds on its leadership in cell spacer technology to offer a full insulation portfolio — including wraps and thermal barriers — giving EV manufacturers the flexibility to match material to application. "The EV industry has been waiting for a credible second source of battery fire protection aerogel insulation in North America," said Marty Melhorn, President, Battery Pack and Advanced Mobility. "AlkeGel™ is here. We're manufacturing at scale—and we're just getting started." Key Highlights: Full commercial production of AlkeGel™ for EV battery anti thermal propagation materials Low-dust design simplifies handling, eliminates need for encapsulation, and reduces integration time Global footprint with strategic manufacturing locations in North America and Europe Complete insulation portfolio for EV platforms, including cell compression pads, wraps, and thermal barriers By empowering OEMs with more options and greater design freedom, Alkegen is helping reshape the future of EV safety, performance, and innovation. To learn more about AlkeGel™, visit About Alkegen Alkegen creates high performance specialty materials used in advanced applications including electric vehicles, energy storage, filtration, fire protection and high-temperature insulation, among many others. Employing a vertically integrated approach across our broad array of technology platforms, Alkegen is committed to achieving energy efficiency, pollution reduction, and enhanced safety for individuals, structures, and equipment. Our overarching mission is to help the world breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. Alkegen has 60+ manufacturing facilities operating in 12 countries and employs 7,500+ employees globally. More information is available at Kristen Weiss [email protected] 352.424.3169 SOURCE Alkegen