Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (“NYK”), NYK Trading Corporation (“NYKT”), and Rexxam Co., Ltd. (“Rexxam”) have jointly introduced “eco CLASPER”, a newly developed car lashing belt made from recycled polyester fiber. On March 26, the three companies completed the installation of the belts on the newly built pure car and truck carrier Elder Leader. Compared to conventional products, “eco CLASPER” reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated during the weaving process by approximately 28.3%.

Car carriers require vast quantities of lashing belts to secure vehicles during transportation. This results in significant consumption of petroleum-derived materials and challenges related to disposal after use. To address these issues and reduce environmental impact, the three companies began jointly developing lashing belts using recycled polyester fiber in 2022.

Since 2024, the prototypes have undergone repeated onboard testing on NYK-operated car carriers, including Cassiopeia Leader, to verify strength and durability. These trials confirmed that the product meets the safety standards set by NYK and offers durability equivalent to existing belts, leading to its formal introduction.

On Elder Leader, the first vessel to adopt the “eco CLASPER”, the lashing belts used for securing transported cars have been provided. The belts are made of 99.5% recycled yarn, reducing GHG emissions during the weaving process by approximately 28.3% compared to belts made from petroleum-derived yarn.

If implemented across the entire NYK-operated car carrier fleet of approximately 120 vessels, annual GHG emissions could be reduced by an estimated 400 tons.

NYK, NYKT, and Rexxam will continue working to expand production volume and improve product performance, with the aim of developing lashing belts that combine high quality and performance with environmental consideration. The companies will also promote wider adoption across the industry, thereby contributing to decarbonization throughout the supply chain.

< NYK Line >
Head office: Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Takaya Soga, President and Representative Director
Website: https://www.nyk.com/english/
Contact: Media Relations Team, Corporate Communication Group, NYKJP.ML.MEDIA@nykgroup.com

< NYK Trading Corporation >
Head Office: Tokyo, Japan
Representative: Shinji Umehara, Representative Director and CEO
Website: https://www.nyk-trading.com/eng/
Contact: Public Relations Section,info@nyk-trading.com

< Rexxam Co., Ltd. >
Head Office: Osaka, Japan
Representative: Shinji Okano, President
Website: https://www.rexxam.co.jp/english/
Contact: Osaka Sales Office, 06-6262-0871