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| KARIYA (Japan) - The plant-derived resin radiator end tank, which can be found in some 2009 Toyota Camrys, has just earned the Most Innovative Use of Plastics award in the Environment Category from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Division for Toyota and partners DENSO and DuPont Automotive. |
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"We are proud to receive this prestigious award, which recognizes our collaborative efforts in developing an environmentally friendly component that can withstand the extreme environment in the engine compartment," said Sojiro Tsuchiya, senior managing director responsible for overall production affairs. "DENSO aims to expand the use of the radiator tank to more vehicles and incorporate plant-derived resin into a wide range of products."
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The eco-friendly polymer - DuPont™ Zytel® RS nylon - is produced by a chemical reaction between organic compounds derived from the castor plant and petroleum. Additives, including glass fiber and others are incorporated to produce the resultant eco-friendly resin, which DENSO jointly developed with DuPont Automotive. About 40 percent of the resin is comprised of the plant-based ingredients.
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Not only is the resin made from environmentally friendly materials, but the new radiator tank releases less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere during its life cycle than the conventional product. This can partially be attributed to the fact that Zytel® RS is extracted from plants, which absorb CO2 through the photosynthesis process. Also, because less petroleum is used to produce the end tank, the new product also helps conserve oil.
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"Through collaboration, we were able to develop a new material for use in a higher performance radiator end tank that meets auto manufacturer's needs for sustainable solutions," said Patrick Ferronato, global director, development and marketing -- DuPont Automotive Performance Polymers. "The plant-derived resin also meets requirements for exceptional heat resistance, durability and road salt resistance."
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Since engine compartment components - like the radiator tank - need to be extremely durable and heat resistant, it was previously difficult to develop a resin with a high percentage of plant-derived ingredients.
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The "Most Innovative Use of Plastics" award was granted at the annual SPE Innovation Awards Gala Nov. 12, in Detroit. For almost four decades, the SPE event has honored the "Most Innovative Use of Plastics" in automotive applications becoming the largest competition of its kind in the world and the oldest and largest recognition event in the automotive and plastics industries.
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DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global supplier of advanced technology, systems and components. Its customers include all the world's major carmakers. Worldwide, the company employs approximately 120,000 people in 33 countries and regions, including Japan. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 totaled US$32.0 billion. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, go to www.globaldenso.com, or visit our media website at www.densomediacenter.com.
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DuPont Automotive offers more than 100 materials and products to the global automotive industry and through its global application development network is committed to delivering cost-effective solutions to help reduce vehicle weight for better fuel economy and CO2 emission reductions, to integrate part functionality to simplify assembly and eliminate cost; and help bring invention to market fast, better and more cost-effectively. For more information, visit automotive.dupont.com.
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