Corporate
Profile

[Company strength]
We are preparing an environment for the future by efficiently making use of Japan’s rich forest resources. We never encountered a system for burning unprocessed logs regardless of the biomass information we searched. It was impossible simply because logs could not be burned if they had not been processed into chips or pellets. Our unique technology makes use of heated steam. Logs are the simplest and cheapest resource. We can use them to produce steam, which is an essential fuel for facilities like factories and hotels, and thus contribute to our customers’ efforts to reduce costs.

[Business description]
We provide a steam supply system with biomass boilers that use unprocessed logs. No initial investment is required on the client side. The customer only pays for the steam that is used at their plant or facility. We provide what can be called a “steam infrastructure system.” Our business began with the challenge of conserving the wealth of wood products all around us by making the best use of them. We continue to contribute to the future of the global environment with our three win-win business domains: forestry development, forest use, and forest conservation.

[Industry]
Energy

[Strength of products/technologies]
Our unique technology (patent pending) allows unprocessed logs to be used as fuel, without requiring a pelletizing process, which leads to a significant reduction in the distribution cost. Thanks to the reduced material cost we can offer steam to our clients at very reasonable prices (up to a 30% reduction in energy costs). Our biomass equipment can provide the most efficient use of thinned wood abandoned in the mountains. We have achieved the same burning efficiency as other conventional boilers even when logs with high moisture content are used. This is thanks to the structure in which heated steam is applied in a unique manner.

[Representative's message]
The essence of woody biomass is found in its use as heat energy. However, the current major application of biomass has been for power generation, which appears to indicate a failure to address the actual issues. We hold “local production for local consumption” as the key message. Our goal is to grow out of an oil-dependent society through the efficient utilization of forest resources. A target of the COP21 Paris Agreement is to reduce CO2 emissions by 26% (compared to 2013). We are addressing this goal from a realistic point of view in the biomass field. We are also looking at entering Malaysia and other overseas markets.

[Company structure for market development/overseas expansion]
We have been promoting our products to potential customers throughout Japan with the help of major consulting firms and banks. We are also working with sales agencies (mainly in energy business corporations) who sympathize with our ideals. Our main target clients include major factories that use a substantial amount of steam (food processing, paper manufacturing, textile makers, etc.) as well as hotels, hot spring facilities, and hospitals. We have also been trying to make proposals to municipalities as part of regional development activities such as attracting businesses and improving the forest landscape. 

[Market share/Ranking]
First case in Japan.

[Awards and media coverage]
[Awards]

[Media]
The Mid-Japan Economist (April 21, 2015); The Chunichi Shimbun Newspaper (August 19, 2015); Gifu Shimbun Newspaper (December 23, 2015); Propane and Butane News (August 18, 2015); Jikyoku Periodical (to be published in November).


[Authorization/Certification]
We have been conducting research on detailed data with other involved parties since our technology was adopted by NEDO, and especially with Tottori University.

[Joint research and development]
We have been collecting data in collaboration with Tottori University since our technology was adopted by NEDO (NEDO project: demonstration project to create a locally self-sufficient biomass energy system). We have been working hard on R&D and establishing an optimal system to make the best use of local characteristics and to expand the application of biomass energy. This is being done through industry-university-government collaboration.


[Main Clients / Business History (domestic)]
Our system will be delivered to a photogravure printing company in 2017. We have been finalizing the detailed specifications.