Latest news with #Futamura
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cumbria firm awarded £4.5 million grant from government
A CUMBRIAN manufacturing company has been awarded a government grant of almost £4.5million to try and convert waste gas at the plant into energy. Futamura Chemical UK, based in Wigton, a leading global manufacturer of sustainable cellulose films and materials that employs 270 people in the town, has been awarded a grant of £4,486,851. The money is part of a £14million project that will see the Station Road plant convert waste gas to energy. The grant will help the company to reduce carbon emissions, improve efficiency and cut energy costs, support jobs in Cumbria and 'promote growth as part of the Government's wider economic plan'. Futamura, based in Wigton for over 90 years, manufactures flexible packaging films that are derived from wood-pulp, with the firm said to be 'excited' following the announcement of the grant. The company's managing director Adrian Cave said: "I don't think in my career, there has been a project that I have been more excited about. "At Futamura we are passionate about our NatureFlex and Cellophane products, and that includes ensuring we continually evolve and utilise greener manufacturing processes, to further reduce our environmental footprint. "Transformational projects such as this WSA installation invariably are expensive and have a medium to long term payback. "Companies like ours do require support financially and this IETF energy efficiency grant has resulted in this project coming to fruition. We are very grateful for this support." The cash is part of the government's Plan for Change to support low carbon projects in energy intensive industries through the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF). Markus Campbell-Savours, Member of Parliament for Penrith & Solway, welcomed the news. He said: 'I congratulate Futamura on securing this investment, one of the largest grants to be issued in this round of IETF funding. "This government is committed to helping industry reduce its energy consumption and this project will enhance the sustainability and future of this 90-year-old business. "This is a huge boost to Wigton and the hundreds of workers employed at the site."
Globe and Mail
18-04-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
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@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at A video accompanying this announcement is available at
