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MPI Launches Sales of Hishi Container ASKOC-30

Sep. 17, 2009

Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc. (head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; president: Hiroshi Yoshida) has developed Hishi Container™ ASKOC™-30 ("ASKOC™"), the industry's first collapsible (foldable) insulated container that can also be washed repeatedly. MPI will launch sales on October 1st.

MPI is a pioneer in plastic containers, having developed Hishi Container™, the industry's first plastic container, in 1963. More recently, MPI has expanded its lineup with high-functionality containers, including collapsible and insulated containers. These are used in a wide range of fields, chiefly for foods but also for such fields as distribution, automobiles, and industrial components.

While there are currently collapsible insulating containers available, such as ordinary collapsible containers lined with sewn insulating sheets, and innovations enabling foam insulation material to be folded, they are still not in wide use, due to such issues as reduced productivity and loss of durability from washing. In contrast, most plastic containers in general use for food distribution are collapsible, and as Internet supermarkets and food delivery services become increasingly popular among households, there is expected to be increasing demand for collapsible hot and cold-insulated containers for carrying fresh foods as well as frozen, chilled, and refrigerated foods, and warmed foods (e.g. hot lunches).

 

 
 

The newly developed ASKOC™ container is based on a proprietary MPI design construction that increases air tightness. It combines an approximately 1 mm surface layer with an approximately 30 mm core of polypropylene foam, giving this collapsible container heat and cold insulation, excellent surface strength and rigidity, light weight (about 2.7 kg), and durability when washed. It is also recyclable, as it is made entirely from polypropylene plastic. It is easy to assemble, and its height when collapsed is about 40% of the assembled height, which is handy for storage and transport. Its cold insulation is excellent: MPI tests have shown that if 28 liters of water chilled to about 2oC is placed in an ASKOC™ container and left for 8 hours in a room heated to 40oC, the water will still not have reached a temperature of 10oC. Samples have already been provided to major distribution companies and restaurant chains, and transportation tests have been performed. All companies receiving the samples gave the new product high marks.

MPI will market the new ASKOC™ collapsible insulating container widely, including to such markets as the restaurant industry, retail and distribution industries, parcel delivery services, food manufacturers, and the fishing industry. It aims to reach net sales of ¥2 billion after three years (fiscal 2012).


Overview of Hishi Container ASKOC™

Specifications

 External dimensions
(with lid) 530 x 366 x 280 mm
(height is 101 mm collapsed)
 Internal dimensions 485 x 331 x 204 mm
Capacity 29 liters
Weight 2.7 kg
Materials Polypropylene and polyethylene
Price Open


Features of Hishi Container™ ASKOC™

１． Collapses to compact form (container)
The collapsed height is about 40% of the assembled height. Assembly uses a simple auto-locking mechanism.
２． Excellent heat and cold insulation
The use of foam insulation suppresses changes in temperature inside the container. It can be used to transport all frozen, chilled, refrigerated, fresh, and warmed foods.
３．

Washable
Unlike containers made from foamed material alone, or containers that use sewn insulating sheets, the surface is smooth; this inhibits soiling and improves durability, enabling the container to be washed with solvents and/or hot water. This enables it to be used in a hygienic state at all times.
４．  Recyclable
Since the container is made completely from polypropylene plastic, it can easily be crushed and recycled into a raw material (converted into pellets).
５． Security measures can be implemented
A sealing tool (sold separately) can be used to lock the lid fastenings. This makes it possible to control the opening and closing of the lid.

 

 

■Inquires regarding this material should be directed to the
 

Public Relations Section, General Administration Dept.,
Mitsubishi Plastics Inc.

TEL: +81-3-3279-3800

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