July 6, 2026
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Kaneka Green Planet® Biodegradable Polymer Adopted for Shimano Fishing Lures
Kaneka Corporation announced that its Kaneka Green Planet® Biodegradable Polymer has been selected for use in fishing lures produced by Shimano Inc.
Fishing lures are traditionally made from conventional plastics. When lost in marine or freshwater environments, these products can contribute to plastic pollution and increase environmental impact. Developed by Kaneka as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, Green Planet is a 100% biomass-derived biodegradable polymer designed to reduce environmental burdens. The material naturally biodegrades into carbon dioxide and water through the action of microorganisms found in soil and seawater, helping address the growing issue of marine plastic waste.
Leveraging Shimano’s expertise in lure design and manufacturing alongside the unique performance characteristics of Green Planet, the two companies successfully met the stringent requirements demanded of fishing lures, including durability, operability, and resistance to repeated use. This collaboration enabled the development of a high-performance product that combines functionality with environmental responsibility.
Shimano continues to advance initiatives focused on resource efficiency and environmental stewardship. These efforts include promoting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) through measures such as reducing single-use materials in bicycle replacement parts packaging, minimizing plastic use in fishing rod packaging, and expanding the reuse and recycling of logistics materials.
Guided by its mission, “Kaneka Thinks Wellness First,” Kaneka is committed to delivering value globally through innovative solutions. By combining its proprietary polymer and biotechnology expertise, the company aims to accelerate the adoption of Green Planet worldwide, supporting the transition to a more sustainable society. Beyond single-use products such as straws and cutlery, Kaneka is expanding the application of Green Planet into durable consumer goods, as demonstrated by this latest collaboration with Shimano.
Fishing lures are traditionally made from conventional plastics. When lost in marine or freshwater environments, these products can contribute to plastic pollution and increase environmental impact. Developed by Kaneka as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics, Green Planet is a 100% biomass-derived biodegradable polymer designed to reduce environmental burdens. The material naturally biodegrades into carbon dioxide and water through the action of microorganisms found in soil and seawater, helping address the growing issue of marine plastic waste.
Leveraging Shimano’s expertise in lure design and manufacturing alongside the unique performance characteristics of Green Planet, the two companies successfully met the stringent requirements demanded of fishing lures, including durability, operability, and resistance to repeated use. This collaboration enabled the development of a high-performance product that combines functionality with environmental responsibility.
Shimano continues to advance initiatives focused on resource efficiency and environmental stewardship. These efforts include promoting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) through measures such as reducing single-use materials in bicycle replacement parts packaging, minimizing plastic use in fishing rod packaging, and expanding the reuse and recycling of logistics materials.
Guided by its mission, “Kaneka Thinks Wellness First,” Kaneka is committed to delivering value globally through innovative solutions. By combining its proprietary polymer and biotechnology expertise, the company aims to accelerate the adoption of Green Planet worldwide, supporting the transition to a more sustainable society. Beyond single-use products such as straws and cutlery, Kaneka is expanding the application of Green Planet into durable consumer goods, as demonstrated by this latest collaboration with Shimano.
