Carbon fiber may often be dubbed the next-generation material, but it's another product — cellulose nanofiber — that is increasingly attracting attention among manufacturers.
A low-weight, high-strength material, cellulose nanofiber has potential use in a wide range of products, including auto parts, food packaging, clothing, cosmetics and inks.
Recognizing this, and in light of the nation's existing forest farming industry, the government is promoting the material whose market is expected to reach ¥1 trillion annually in Japan by 2030.