NEWS

An innovative soil improvement agent based on foamed glass showcased in COP22 in Marrakech, Morocco

2016.10.19

(PDF version is here.)

Tottori, Japan – October 19, 2016 – Tottori Resource Recycling, Inc., a foamed glass manufacturer through recycling technology, showcases its water-saving agriculture solution at COP22 (22nd Conference of Parties (COP22) to the United Nations Framework Convention Climate (“UNFCC”)) in Marrakech, Morocco from 7th to 18th November, 2016.

The COP is the supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC, set for signature in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and entered into force in 1994. Since 1995, there have been COP every year. The last COP (COP21) was organized in Paris December 2015.

Many regions are currently facing water stress or will face due to the decrease of rainfall in future caused by climate change all over the world. At the same time, taking into account the increasing water demand for agriculture which counts 70% of water consumption in general, associated with increasing food demand based on the population growth in the world, the water-saving for agriculture is one of the serious issues from the perspective of food security.

Harvest of green bean in our project in Morocco

Harvest of green bean in our project in Morocco

At COP22, Tottori Resource Recycling showcases its innovative and proven water-saving agriculture solution with “Porous Alpha”, a porous material manufactured by foaming used glass bottles. By mixing it into the soil, the pores in “Porous Alpha” increase water retention capacity and improve aeration of soil. The application of “Porous Alpha” for agriculture has been developed with Tottori University, one of the most advanced university and research institutions on arid zones. Also, this technology is officially registered as transferable environment friendly technology for developing countries by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Tottori Resource Recycling has verified its performance in the farms in Kenya, Mauritania, Senegal and now in Morocco where the project is supported by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery of Morocco. In Morocco, the 50% water reduction for irrigation, and at the same time, the 20+% yield increase have been achieved. These results imply that our technology (1) facilitates the recycling of used bottles, (2) drastically saves the irrigation water, (3) provides adaptation measures against decreasing precipitation and drought due to climate change and (4) contributes to “No hunger”, one of in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) voted by United Nations.

In addition to the exhibition booth at COP22, we are planning one-day site visit for the participants of COP22 from public and private sectors to visit the project site of our technology. This is the project supported by JICA and Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery of Morocco.

・Location of exhibition: Innovations Zone (Booth Number #234)
・Period of exhibition: 7th to 18th November
・Site visit: 13th November (planned) (Please pre-register here (required) for further details)

Tottori Resource Recycling continues to tackle with the important issues such as waste reduction, water saving for agriculture, increasing yield, and adaptation to climate change all over the world.

◆Contact
TEL: +81-858-49-6230 (Naoyuki KANO)
Mail : naoyuki.kano@t-rrl.jp
You can contact us through our Web site. (Please click here)