[translation from Japanese:] Nikkei Sangyou Shimbun [Nikkei Industrial Newspaper], September 24, 1999

[Headline:] Biodegradable Food Service Ware

Hanix to Distribute

Contain No Chemicals

[Photo caption:] Biodegradable plastic products launched by Hanix

Cosmetic manufacturer, Hanix (Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, President: Kazunori Miyama) has begun import and sales of biodegradable plastic garbage bags and food service ware that has cornstarch as a major ingredient. The distinguishing characteristic is that the price is relatively low at about 1.2 to 2.5 times the price of ordinary plasticware. The aim is to sell 1 billion yen through retailers, food establishments, self-governing bodies, etc.

The product will be imported from the US scientific firm, Biocorp. In addition to cornstarch, the company uses cellulose from the bran of a type of cotton, glycerin, and the like, with absolutely no chemicals added. The garbage bags biodegrade after exposure outdoors for about a month.

Knife, forks, and spoon, and coated paper food service ware are now being sold. The price of a spoon is 4 to 4.5 yen each, or one to two times the price of ordinary plastic products. The possibility of manufacturing domestically is being looked into.