On June 23, 2026, Kaneka Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) announced that its biodegradable polymer, Green Planet™, has been adopted by Shimano Inc. (Osaka) for the manufacture of fishing lures.
The material used for these lures is Kaneka's Green Planet™ PHBH, a type of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate). Fishing lures are typically made from materials such as ABS resin, elastomers, and PVC. Consequently, lures lost in marine or freshwater environments can contribute to plastic pollution and impose an additional burden on the environment.
Kaneka's PHBH is a 100% biomass-derived, biodegradable polymer developed based on the concept of providing environmentally friendly solutions that do not rely on petroleum resources. Because microorganisms in soil and seawater can break it down into carbon dioxide and water, it helps address the issue of marine plastic pollution.
By combining Shimano's advanced design and manufacturing technologies with the material properties of Green Planet, the two companies successfully developed a product that meets the rigorous quality standards required for fishing lures-including handling performance and the durability needed for repeated use. Shimano is actively committed to resource circulation and reducing environmental impact, promoting the "3Rs" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) through initiatives such as minimizing the use of single-use resources in bicycle replacement parts, reducing plastic packaging for fishing rods, and reusing or recycling logistics-related materials.
Guided by its corporate mission of "Wellness First," Kaneka delivers value globally as a solutions provider. Leveraging its proprietary polymer and biotechnology, the company aims to promote Green Planet worldwide and foster a sustainable society. Its applications extend beyond alternatives to single-use plastics-such as straws and cutlery-into the realm of durable consumer goods, as demonstrated by this fishing lure product.
