Ryukoku University professor Takahiko Nakaoki and Kakinoki Fireworks Industry Co. president Hiroyuki Kakinoki have brought to market what they describe as the world's first water-soluble fireworks shells and canisters.
The collaboration began in 2018 after Kakinoki had abandoned earlier attempts to develop environmentally friendly shells using resins that repeatedly failed.
Instead of creating a new material, the team adopted a water-soluble resin already used for coating agricultural seeds and soil improvers.
When wet, the resin becomes soft like hot caramel and dissolves into the ecosystem through a medium that has already been approved as harmless.
Many Japanese fireworks displays take place near rivers, lakes, or the ocean, meaning most casings are expected to vanish within hours.
Kraft paper is still used to protect the shells from moisture during packaging and storage, but the new design requires about half as much paper as previous versions.
Kakinoki Fireworks plans to produce 20,000 fireworks this year, with a target of 10,000 being the eco-friendly version.
The Mainichi Shimbun reported on the development and the production goals.
Japanese Team Develops ‘Eco-Fireworks’ with Water-Soluble Shells to Cut Back on Debris
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