Press Release
Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 5, 2023 – Hitachi, Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Hitachi") will use recycled plastic in the data storage products (hereinafter referred to as "storage") installed in data centers and other facilities for corporate and government organizations with strict safety standards. This initiative is part of Hitachi's ongoing efforts to promote resource conservation and recycling, ultimately working towards the goal of creating a more resource-efficient society.
Specifically, Hitachi will apply recycled plastic material to the bezel, which is the front cover of the next storage model. This material, produced by Teijin Limited, is a blend of recycled polycarbonate resin and ABS resin*1. Recycled polycarbonate resin is made from materials used in CD and DVD disks, water bottles for water coolers, and automotive headlight covers. Hitachi has processed the recycled plastic material into the shape of bezel and evaluated it to meet the strict safety standards of storage used in corporate and government organizations Factors such as flame resistance, aging degradation, and molding precision were closely addressed, as it is intended for long-term use in data centers. Products using this recycled plastic will be rolled out globally in the future.
The new storage bezel made from recycled plastic will be exhibited at CEATEC 2023, an international IT and electronics exhibition held from Oct. 17 to 20, 2023.
*1: Synthetic resin which is made from the following substances: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene.
Hitachi has set a goal of achieving a 50% usage rate of environmentally friendly materials by FY2030 within the storage business, and will continue efforts to conserve and recycle resources by promoting various approaches, including the further usage of recycled plastic and adoption of parts made from the combination of recycled and biomass materials.
Hitachi will continue to help solve important environmental issues as part of its commitment to its corporate philosophy of "contributing to society through the development of unique technologies and superior products.”
Background
Hitachi has established the long-term environmental targets "Hitachi Environmental Innovation 2050" to achieve "decarbonized society," "resource efficient society," and a "harmonized society with nature,” as envisioned in its "Environmental Vision." This vision is based on global environmental issues and Hitachi’s management policy. The demand for storage to store large amounts of data is increasing due to the use of generative AI and the promotion of DX. Hitachi has continued its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from storage by adopting highly-efficient power supplies and developing functions that contribute to reduced power consumption through its unique technologies, in order to meet these demands. Hitachi is also focused on plastic usage, which is prioritized in various initiatives worldwide. This includes considering the use of recycled plastic in storage solutions as part of ongoing efforts to conserve and recycle resources, to achieve a resource-efficient society.
Additional Resources (Japanese only)
- Social Innovation "Recycled Plastic for DX: New Storage for Data Centers"
https://social-innovation.hitachi/ja-jp/article/it_storage/ - About CEATEC 2023
https://www.ceatec.com/ja/ - Hitachi Booth Information
https://www.hitachi.co.jp/about/events/ceatec2023/
About Hitachi, Ltd.
Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems; and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.
More Information
IT Platform Products Management Division, Cloud Services Platform Business Unit, Hitachi, Ltd.
Inquiry form (Japanese only): https://www.hitachi.co.jp/it-pf/inq/NR/
Teijin Limited Resin & Plastic Processing Business Unit
