Corn is the new oil if you're making plastic. That's right, Ricoh has led the charge to start building its printers using corn-based plastics. The innovation comes in response to skyrocketing oil prices.
"Dwindling oil, supplies and spirallling prices, as much as environmental concerns, are forcing manufacturers to look at alternative methods of producing plastic. The Japanese lead the field, Sharp having developed technology to blend plant- and petroleum-based plastics and Fujitsu and NEC use plant-based plastics in their PC and notebook cases. Mitsubishi set out to use green plastics for the interior of its new-concept mini-car." (The Inquirer)
Ricoh Makes Printer Out of Plants
Ricoh Makes Printer Out Of Plants
Trend Themes
1. Corn-based Plastics - The trend of using corn-based plastics in manufacturing products presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the plastic industry, allowing for more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
2. Alternative Plastic Production - The trend of exploring alternative methods for producing plastic, such as using plant-based materials, opens up disruptive innovation opportunities for companies in the manufacturing industry to reduce their reliance on dwindling oil supplies and address environmental concerns.
3. Green Plastics in Automotive - The trend of incorporating green plastics, made from plant-based materials, in the automotive industry presents disruptive innovation opportunities for car manufacturers to create more sustainable and environmentally friendly vehicles.
Industry Implications
1. Printing - The printing industry can benefit from the trend of using corn-based plastics, as it allows for the production of more sustainable and environmentally friendly printers, leading to a disruptive innovation in the market.
2. Plastic Manufacturing - The plastic manufacturing industry has the opportunity to embrace the trend of alternative plastic production methods, such as using plant-based materials, to disrupt the traditional petroleum-based plastic production model and create more eco-friendly products.
3. Automotive - The automotive industry can capitalize on the trend of incorporating green plastics made from plant-based materials, allowing for the development of disruptive innovations in car manufacturing, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.