[Sustainability and TDK]
Discover the New Environmentally Friendly Radio Wave Absorber Made from Sugarcane-Derived Biomass Polyethylene
We are seeing a rise in the development of electronic devices that use higher-frequency microwaves and millimeter waves, including 5G products, millimeter-wave radars, in-vehicle equipment, and IoT devices. Because of this, there is a growing demand for anechoic chambers to accurately measure the effects of electromagnetic waves on products equipped with electronic devices and to evaluate their performance. Concurrently, radio wave absorbers—a key material in anechoic chambers—are under pressure to evolve. On top of improving absorption performance, environmental sustainability is essential. TDK has developed a new biomass radio wave absorber, which maintains comparable performance levels as conventional absorbers while incorporating over 25 wt% (weight percent) of biomass polyethylene derived from sugarcanes.
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Growing demand for radio wave absorbers highlights environmental considerations
In today’s world, where a plethora of electronic devices are interconnected through networks, noise countermeasures for electronic equipment are becoming increasingly important. Demand for anechoic chambers is also expanding, as they are essential for accurately measuring the effects of electromagnetic waves and evaluating the performance of electronic devices. Radio wave absorbers, the key material in anechoic chambers, line the ceilings, walls, and floors of these chambers, absorbing radio waves without reflecting them. The global market for radio wave absorbers is projected to reach approximately 63.3 billion yen by 2028—compared to the global market for anechoic chambers as a whole, which amounted to around 42.1 billion yen in 2023 (Yano Research Institute estimates).
As the demand for anechoic chambers and radio wave absorbers grows, so does the importance of their environmental sustainability. Most radio wave absorbers use foamed polystyrene and polyethylene as their base materials. While their use in anechoic chambers typically spans several decades, they are nonetheless petroleum-derived materials generating carbon dioxide emissions that lead to global warming, presenting a pressing need to switch to environmentally friendly, naturally derived materials. Doing so will also help achieve carbon neutrality (a state where greenhouse gas emissions are net zero) by 2050, a goal targeted by more than 120 countries and regions, including Japan.
Global market forecast for anechoic chambers (by monetary value, 2023 to 2028)
Switching to sugarcane-derived biomass polyethylene for the base material of radio wave absorbers
Given this background, TDK has developed the IS-BP series, the industry’s first radio wave absorber that incorporates biomass polyethylene as its base material. Maintaining the same fire resistance, strength, and durability levels as conventional products, TDK has successfully replaced petroleum-based polyethylene with over 25 wt% of sugarcane-derived biomass polyethylene. This innovation has the effect of reducing CO₂ emissions by 13% compared to conventional products.
The IS-BP series is certified with the “Biomass PlaMark” by the Japan BioPlastics Association (JBPA). The Biomass PlaMark is granted to products that contain over a certain percentage of biomass plastics*1 and meet safety standards, allowing the use of the mark and name.
Biomass PlaMark
Biomass radio wave absorbers boost digital transformation (DX) and green transformation (GX)
Amid calls to shift toward a circular economy, TDK is committed to environmentally conscious product development, including the reduction of waste and CO₂ emissions. Biomass plastics help minimize carbon dioxide emissions throughout their entire lifecycle, from raw material production to incineration, contributing to the fight against global warming.
Manager, EMC & RF Solutions
Magnetics Business Group
TDK Corporation
Toshifumi Saitoh, Manager of EMC & RF Solutions at TDK’s Magnetics Business Group, shared his insights on the future of biomass radio wave absorbers. “The IS-BP series incorporates over 25 wt% of sugarcane-derived biomass polyethylene. The CO₂ released when biomass polyethylene is incinerated is equivalent to the amount absorbed by the plants during their growth, meaning there is no net increase in CO₂ emissions. Therefore, this product can help reduce CO₂ emissions compared to conventional petroleum-based products, contributing to climate change efforts. In recent years, the impact of climate change—such as extreme weather events and disruptions to agriculture and fisheries—has become a more immediate concern. We believe that environmentally friendly products like these will play a growing role in the future.”
Through radio wave absorbers, TDK is accelerating digital transformation (DX) and paving the way for a sustainable society.
IS-BP biomass radio wave absorbers
Terminology
- Biomass plastics: A type of plastic made from plant-based or other biological resources, synthesized chemically or biologically and used as the raw material.
