OSAKA -- Panasonic will adopt a plant-derived plastic to produce refrigerators, vacuum cleaners and other home appliances within a few years, Nikkei has learned, joining a broader trend away from petroleum-based material spurred by environmental concerns.
The Japanese electronics maker has developed a plastic that is comprised of 55% cellulose fibers and is durable enough to be used for its products. Cellulose is an insoluble substance obtained from the bark, wood or leaves of plants, or from other plant-based material.
