![SDGs Online Roundtable (9th)] (2021.9.23)](https://peace-and-nature.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Screen-Shot-2022-02-05-at-7.41.40-pm-1-730x410.png)
On Thursday, September 23, we held the 9th SDGs Online Roundtable Discussion. Mr. Seiji Kawanaka from Toyooka was invited as a guest speaker to talk about his efforts in wood pellets, one of the biomass fuels, and 21 participants thought about the SDGs.
A request from Toyooka City to use pellets to create a feeding ground for storks led to the development of various types of mixed pellets. After repeated experiences such as the increase of burning waste when using reed due to its high silica content, he found that by mixing pine, he could make pellets in a stable manner with the pine resin acting as a lubricant. On the other hand, pellets made from 100% reeds were commercialized as cat litter. He has also commercialized stoves and kama that use these wood pellets as fuel. He told us that the main challenge now is to increase the number of these products sold and to solve the issues of cost, storage, and recognition.
Participants had many questions and suggestions, such as “Can we make pellets from bamboo?”, “Can we increase the number of sales by demonstrating and renting pizza baking?
While Mr. Kawanaka is still working on his main occupation as a builder, he has been working with pellets and a sickle with his passion for Tohoku reconstruction support and local school festivals. Thank you very much, Mr. Kawanaka and everyone who participated in this event.
