Home > About Us > Corporate Social Responsibility > Sustainability Report > Sustainability Report 2006 > Contribution to Environmental Protection through Products, Technologies and Services (1) Eco Materials

		Environmental Management Sustainability Report 2006

Contribution to Environmental Protection through Products, Technologies and Services (1)

Kobe Steel has integrated its manufacturing and engineering technologies, systems and know-how to provide eco-friendly materials and products. We also provide equipment, plants and services in the fields of effective energy utilization, waste recycling, utilization of unused resources and environmental restoration. Outlined here are noteworthy technologies and products of 2005.

Eco Materials

	Development of lead-free free-cutting steel with 30% larger sulfide inclusions

Kobe Steel has developed a lead-free sulfur compound free-cutting steel with the same level of surface finish as lead compound free-cutting steel. Lead compound free-cutting steel with its excellent cutting performance has been conventionally used, but it has a harmful effect on the human body and on the environment, and so a lead-free replacement has been sought. The major characteristic of this newly developed free-cutting steel is its boosted machinability, with particulate sulfide inclusions 30% larger than in the conventional product. Using expertise built up in the field of specialty steel wire, Kobe Steel has succeeded in increasing the size of the sulfides by adjusting the chemical composition in the manufacturing process and controlling the temperature during rolling. This product has gained approval among car component makers for use in hydraulic parts such as brakes and automatic transmissions, and some have advanced to the trial production stage for mass production.

	Antibacterial aluminum foil launched

Sun Aluminium Industries, Ltd., a leading manufacturer of aluminum foil for household use, has developed and launched an antibacterial foil for household use. This product was developed by adjusting the copper component and other additive elements with antibacterial properties during the manufacturing of the aluminum slab for foil use. Both surfaces of the foil are effective in stopping bacteria from breeding and multiplying, and the foil itself is stronger. As no chemical antibacterial agent is used, the foil may be safely used to wrap foodstuffs.

	High performance antibacterial coating technology KENIFINE found effective against virus similar to SARS

Laboratory testing conducted by Associate Professor Norio Hirano of Iwate University found that the KENIFINE antibacterial coating technology developed by Kobe Steel is effective against a virus that is a close relative of the SARS coronavirus. Both viruses are in the same group of coronaviruses. KENI FINE is a high-performance antibacterial coating that is more than 10 times faster at controlling microorganisms than conventional antibacterial paint or antibacterial stainless steel. It prevents germs from multiplying and is effective in preventing the growth of mold and algae. Eleven companies have been licensed to use this technology, and mass production began in 2002. Improvements to KENIFINE have made the coating resistant to discoloration. In addition to metals, the coating is also available in powder form for use on plastic surfaces. KENIFINE is currently being used in the food product, food preparation and healthcare fields.

	Non-copper-coated solid welding wire (SE wire)

Conventional solid welding wires used to be copper-coated for smooth feeding. "SE Wire," a non-copper-coated welding wire developed Kobe Steel, has the same quality of wire feeding as conventional welding wires and superior arc stability, due to a newly developed surface treatment technology. As copper-coating treatment has been eliminated in the production process, the environmental burden is reduced, thus improving the welding work environment. SE Wire has won numerous awards including a prize from the Japan Welding Society.

SE wire