ECOSTP Secures Funding from Habitat for Humanity’s Shelter Venture Fund to Improve Access to Sanitation Across India

CHENNAI, IN, Sep 30, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Habitat for Humanity's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter announced today an equity investment of INR 19 million (US$250,000) in ECOSTP Technologies, a startup that develops sanitation solutions through bioengineering. The investment will enhance ECOSTP's efforts to bring its self-sustainable sewage treatment technology to thousands of families in low-income areas across India. This is Terwilliger Center's second investment in an Indian startup, after investing in ReMaterials, a modular roofing startup in 2018.

Photo Credit: ECOSTP

"ECOSTP's low-cost and low-maintenance sanitation technology adapts well to this COVID-19 reality where families need healthy homes to shelter in place. We are thrilled to have a partner with enormous potential to bring affordable solutions that can create healthier and sanitary households across the country," says Jyoti Patel, Global Director of Impact Investments for the Terwilliger Center.

The Terwilliger Center works with private-sector startups and firms to expand innovative services, products, and financing for low-income households. Through its Shelter Venture Fund, the Center channels impact investment and support to entrepreneurs with the aim to bridge the pioneer gap amongst shelter's small but growing businesses across the globe. Including ECOSTP, the Fund has invested in nine companies in Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America since 2017.

Nature-inspired innovation

In India, high running costs prevent up to 70 percent of the country's sewage treatment plants from working properly. This prompted ECOSTP to take inspiration from nature – using biomimicry – to develop a sewage treatment system that uses anaerobic bacteria to purify water through underground chambers. The result is an affordable, self-sustainable system that can treat millions of liters of sewage water per day without relying on power, chemicals or human intervention resulting in a savings of up to 90 percent on operational expenses.

Since its launch in Bengaluru in 2017, ECOSTP has received accolades from various housing ecosystem players including the Government of India's AGNIi innovation showcase and the United Nations ESCAP 8th World Water Forum. ECOSTP was also part of the Brigade REAP and ShelterTech accelerators in India. Brigade REAP is Asia's first property technology focused accelerator program, helping startups create scalable and sustainable businesses and is an existing shareholder in the startup.

"As a startup, the partnership with the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter is crucial for us in the current environment. It plays a major role in allowing us to develop our business and bring a safe, sustainable and affordable water treatment product to low-income families and further our mission to reclaim every drop of wastewater naturally," said Tharun Kumar, ECOSTP's co-founder.

"We support shelter startups through our ShelterTech accelerator and catalytic grant program in India. Innovations such as ECOSTP have the potential to not only address the water crisis in India but also provide safe and healthy homes for both urban and rural families," added Anoop Nambiar, Country Director for India at the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter. The Center will continue to support ECOSTP on product development, market expansion and piloting the product in rural and low-income consumer markets.

About Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter

The Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, a unit of Habitat for Humanity International, works with housing market actors to expand innovative and client-responsive services, products, and financing so that households can improve their shelter more effectively and efficiently. The goal of the Terwilliger Center is to make housing markets work more effectively for people in need of decent, affordable shelter, thereby improving the quality of life for low-income households. To learn more, visit habitat.org/TCIS.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort and has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacific.

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

TANAKA Wins Award in Industry of FY2019 FCDIC Honoring System

TOKYO, Sep 10, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – TANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Koichiro Tanaka) announced today that TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), which operates the TANAKA Precious Metals manufacturing business, has won the "Award in Industry" under the FY2019 FCDIC Honoring System, which is run by the Fuel Cell Development Information Center (FCDIC). The award was given in recognition of the contribution TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo brought over the years to industries in the field of fuel cell catalysts.

Awards ceremony – Tomoyuki Tada, Executive Officer of TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo

Fuel cell catalyst

A certificate of commendation was presented at the "FY2019 FCDIC Honoring System Awards Ceremony" held on September 9th at Sola City Conference Center (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo). Tomoyuki Tada, Executive Officer of TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo, attended the awards ceremony, and Koichi Matsutani of the FC Catalyst Development Center, TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo, gave a commemorative speech.

The FCDIC Honoring System, which comprises four awards, were established in 2016 to commemorate the company's 30th year anniversary. The Award in Industry, Award in Science, Incentive Award and Special Achievement Award are presented to organizations and individuals who make marked contributions to promote fuel cell development and manufacturing, and to advance and develop the science and technology related to fuel cells. The aim of the awards is to grant the fuel cell technology development and support the promotion of the fuel cell systems.

[Details of Prize Awarded (FY2019 FCDIC Honoring System – Award in Industry)]
– Award type: Award in Industry
– Awarded for: Contribution to industries in fuel cell catalyst field
– Recipient: TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K.

TANAKA in the Development and Manufacture of Fuel Cell Catalysts

As a general precious metal manufacturer, TANAKA determined future potential for fuel cells as a next generation energy and started its research and development of fuel cell catalysts since the 1980s. TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo specializes in customizing products to respond to customers' requests. In coordination with industry and academia, TANAKA has maintained the global top share of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PFEC) in electrode catalysts for nearly 15 years. In 2019, TANAKA expanded its FC Catalyst Development Center, thereby enhanced its production capability.

As the market of fuel cells expands, the demand for lower cost and high-quality products is increasing. TANAKA is continuously engaging in developing technology such as manufacturing process and analytical technique development. Going forward, TANAKA will improve fuel cell performance and develop catalysts with reduced amount of precious metals in order to supply products that contribute to enabling a hydrogen-based society that can aid in environmental conservation.

TANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd. (Holding company of TANAKA Precious Metals)
Headquarters: 22F, Tokyo Building, 2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Koichiro Tanaka, Representative Director & CEO
Founded: 1885
Incorporated: 1918*
Capital: 500 million yen
Employees in consolidated group: 5,138 (FY2019)
Employees: 221 (March 31, 2020)
Net sales of consolidated group: JPY 1,149,604 million (FY2019)
Main businesses of the group: The holding company at the center of TANAKA Precious Metals responsible for strategic and efficient group management and management guidance to group companies.
URL: https://www.tanaka.co.jp/english/
* TANAKA Holdings adopted a holding company structure on April 1, 2010.

TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K.
Headquarters: 22F, Tokyo Building, 2-7-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Koichiro Tanaka, Representative Director & CEO
Founded: 1885
Incorporated: 1918
Capital: 500 million yen
Employees: 2,393 (as of March 31, 2020)
Sales: JPY 992,679,879,000 (FY2019)
Main businesses: Manufacture, sales, import and export of precious metals (platinum, gold, silver, and others) and various types of industrial precious metals products.
URL: https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com

About TANAKA Precious Metals

Since its foundation in 1885, TANAKA Precious Metals has built a diversified range of business activities focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volumes of precious metals handled. Over the course of many years, TANAKA has not only manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry but also provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and resources. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies within and outside Japan work together with unified cooperation between manufacturing, sales, and technological aspects to offer products and services. Additionally, to make further progress in globalization, TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo welcomed Metalor Technologies International SA as a member of the Group in 2016.

As precious metal professionals, TANAKA Precious Metals will continue to contribute to the development of an enriching and prosperous society.

The five core companies that make up TANAKA Precious Metals are as follows.
– TANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd. (pure holding company)
– TANAKA Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K.
– TANAKA Denshi Kogyo K.K.
– Electroplating Engineers Of Japan, Limited
– TANAKA Kikinzoku Jewerly K.K.

Press release in PDF: http://www.acnnewswire.com/clientreports/598/2020910.pdf

Press Inquiries
TANAKA Holdings Co., Ltd.
https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Pacific Green Marine Technologies, Inc. Installs its 100th Envi-Marine(TM) Exhaust Gas Cleaning System

DOVER, DE, Sep 9, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Pacific Green Technologies, Inc. (the "Company" or "PGTK", (OTCQB:PGTK) announces that it has successfully installed its 100th ENVI-Marine(TM) exhaust gas cleaning system.

PGTK's industry leading ENVI-Marine(TM) exhaust gas cleaning systems have now been installed on more than 40 different ship types, including containers, bulk carriers and oil tankers. The installations have been completed predominantly in China shipyards in conjunction with PGTK's joint venture partner, PowerChina SPEM.

Scott Poulter, PGTK's Chief Executive commented: "We are very proud to have reached this milestone in our marine division. Although the industry has been in turmoil so far in 2020 with oil price pressure and the consumer demand effects of Covid-19, we have started to see positive signs with a significant increase in enquiries over the past few months for our ENVI-Marine(TM) System."

PGTK has continued to expand its technologies through its acquisition of ENGIN in December 2019 so that its portfolio now includes Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Water Desalination. PGTK continues to actively seek complementary technologies to add to its Cleantech portfolio.

Scott added: "Pacific Green is now targeting specific industries and sectors where its technology enhances the growing trend for Cleantech solutions. As well as having the capability and resources to carry out whole large scale projects, Pacific Green will continue to develop and produce new cutting edge products as we expand into new areas."

PGTK's joint venture with PowerChina SPEM, one of the world's largest engineering, procurement and construction companies with annual revenues of around $50 billion, combines elite technical expertise with unrivalled production capabilities in China ensuring PGTK can scale efficiently in each industry sector.

PGTK will continue to adhere to a high-quality development strategy, implement improved processes in all disciplines, and provide state of the art professional and efficient products and services for its customers.

About Pacific Green Technologies, Inc.

Pacific Green Technologies Inc. is focused on addressing the world's need for cleaner and more sustainable energy. The Company's strategy is to build through organic development and acquisition, a portfolio of patented competitive cutting edge technologies designed to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards. For more information, visit PGTK's website: www.pacificgreentechnologies.com

About POWERCHINA SPEM Co. Ltd

POWERCHINA SPEM is a subsidiary of POWERCHINA, the largest power equipment manufacturer in the PRC. With abundant resources, expertise, strong manufacturing capacity, domestic sales channels and rich experience, POWERCHINA SPEM is in a strong position to deploy PGTK technology throughout the PRC.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the ongoing effects of the pandemic on delays and orders regarding Pacific Green's emission control system, potential business developments in India and future interest in our solar and desalination technologies.

Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, general economic and political conditions, the continuation of the JV with POWERCHINA SPEM, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Scott Poulter, Chairman & CEO
Pacific Green Technologies
T: +1 (302) 601-4659

SOURCE: Pacific Green Technologies, Inc.

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Habitat for Humanity Calls for Applicants Who Want To Join Sheltertech Accelerators, Disrupt the Affordable Housing Space

MANILA, Sep 4, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Habitat for Humanity today announced that its Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter is taking applications for ShelterTech accelerators in Southeast Asia and in the Andean region of South America. As the world's leading platform for affordable housing innovation, ShelterTech brings together entrepreneurial minds to answer today's most pressing global shelter challenges.

ShelterTech gives participating startups and scaleups access to key industry players, from corporate executives and investors to academics, government officials and innovators. They provide mentorship, connections and funding, backed by Habitat for Humanity's decades of experience as a leading affordable housing organization. By scaling solutions developed by startups, Habitat is working to assure more of the 1.6 billion people who lack adequate shelter globally have access to improved housing products and services.

ShelterTech launched accelerators in Mexico in 2017, then Kenya and India in 2018, accelerating more than 40 startups whose innovations ranged from construction management mobile applications to paving blocks made from plastic waste to solar energy solutions for rural areas. Since then, accelerator alumni have gone on to secure funding from investors worldwide.

This year, in recognition of the important role housing plays in promoting better health outcomes, the accelerators will prioritize innovations that address COVID-19's evolving challenges. To further help startups reach their milestones and encourage out-of-the-box thinking, each ShelterTech accelerator cohort participant will receive US$10,000 in catalytic funding,

"ShelterTech is about closing the gap between the best innovations in affordable housing and families seeking a safe and livable place to call home," said Patrick Kelley, vice president of the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter. "By providing a tailored experience to startups, we facilitate the ideal market fit for scale and sustainability of their innovations. Ultimately, by opening new markets for them, we can also provide low-income families with affordable products and services, making their homes resilient and safer, especially in the context of COVID-19."

Selected ventures in both regions will go through a virtual acceleration program, testing and validating their business models with the support of industry experts and mentors. Then the startups will have opportunities to connect with global partners, investors and ShelterTech alumni. The accelerator is being co-designed by Village Capital in the Andean region and Villgro Philippines and Global Urban Village in Southeast Asia.

"Southeast Asia has a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and many startups are born from founders' aspirations to develop solutions that can transform their communities and cities," said Priya Thachadi, co-founder & CEO of Villgro Philippines. "Housing is often an overlooked, under-valued sector in the impact investment space, and we are excited to partner with Habitat to fill the gap between new and great ideas and the enormous market potential that exists in the region," she concluded.

Daniel Cossio, regional manager for Village Capital Latin America added "In the Andean region, 11.2 million families are heavily impacted by the housing deficit, due to high land prices, informal markets and limited access to financing options. We are thrilled to support Habitat for Humanity in identifying and supporting ventures with breakthrough solutions and help them grow into successful forces within the affordable housing space."

In each region, the accelerator seeks for-profit companies with a minimum viable product, a meaningful customer or business validation and products and services that can improve housing livability and affordability. Companies with housing-related solutions in sectors such as materials, labor, finance, land, markets, energy and water and sanitation, especially those whose products and services can address COVID-19 challenges, are encouraged to apply.

ShelterTech is supported by a network of key partners, including Autodesk Foundation, Dow, the Hilti Foundation and the Keith V. Kiernan Foundation. Applications are open until Sept. 30, 2020. Interested companies can apply on habitat.org/sheltertech/participate.

About ShelterTech

ShelterTech is a global innovation platform advancing entrepreneurial housing solutions that radically improve the lives of low-income families. Supported by Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter and its partners, ShelterTech puts entrepreneurs at the center of a highly connected ecosystem of mentors, investors, peers, alumni and technical experts who share a passion for revolutionary ideas in affordable housing. For more information and opportunities, visit shelter-tech.org.

About Habitat's Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter

The Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, a unit of Habitat for Humanity International, works with housing market actors to expand innovative and client-responsive services, products and financing so that households can improve their shelter more effectively and efficiently. The goal of the Terwilliger Center is to make housing markets work more effectively for people in need of decent, affordable shelter, thereby improving the quality of life for low-income households. To learn more, visit habitat.org/tcis.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort and has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacific.

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Rimba Raya launches Seruyan River Cleanup Movement 2020

Seruyan, C Kalimantan, INDONESIA, Aug 29, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – In celebration of World River Day on September 27, Rimba Raya Conservation (Rimba Raya) has partnered with the Seruyan Regency Environmental Agency to launch the Seruyan River Cleanup Movement 2020 #satusampahseribubencana (one waste, one thousand disasters).

Rimba Raya Technical Director Moch. As'ari addressing the opening ceremony at Seruyan River Cleanup Movement 2020

Head of Environmental Agency Priyo Widagdo hitting the gong to mark the opening of Seruyan River Cleanup Movement 2020

The movement was launched with an opening ceremony in the pendopo (official house) of the Seruyan Regent, with the theme "Waste-Free River, Healthy Community, Beautiful Village".

"We believe that this movement will make the people of Seruyan feel more responsible toward their own environment and appreciate the local and the planet's health," said Moch. As'ari, Technical Director of Rimba Raya.

"Our target is to collect 8 tons of waste from 11 villages and two sub-districts all along the Seruyan River," said Sylviana Andhella, Executive Director of Rimba Raya.

During the Seruyan River Cleanup Movement, Rimba Raya will hold several activities. This will include writing and drawing competitions for primary to senior high school students to inspire and encourage the younger generation to be more aware of their environment and the need to protect it.

Rimba Raya will collaborate with Balai TN Tanjung Putting National Park and Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) in these activities, which will be conducted until the final event, on the 17th of September.

At the opening ceremony, the Head of the Seruyan Regency Environmental Agency said, "With this series of activities, we hope to create awareness, and an ongoing motivation to care for the environment and keep the rivers clean. With our continued efforts, we hope that the Seruyan river will become a destination for tourists which will certainly have a positive impact on the economic growth of this region."

Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve is a project that focuses on Ecosystem Restoration. It aims to restore and preserve the tropical peat swamp forest which is essential habitat for orangutans and is managed under the principles of ecology, economic and social management.

Rimba Raya acts as a vital buffer zone for TN Tanjung Putting National Park. The project implements initiatives that positively impact 14 villages across two sub-districts (Seruyan Hilir and Danau Sembuluh) in the Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan.

Rimba Raya initiatives are developed by InfiniteEARTH with a focus on assisting local communities to improve their economic status and embrace the positive impacts of being a REDD+ project.

"We need to engage and empower local people to actively contribute to preserving the peat swamp forest. If we work together, we can protect mother earth and keep her from harm," said Djonni Andhella, President Director of Rimba Raya.

Rimba Raya empowers local community members to play a role in protecting and conserving the peat forest with a long-term philosophy, "Local Community. Forest. Climate". The project aims to work towards consistently achieving the UN's SDGs, both within the project area and the bordering villages.

In addition to the Seruyan River Cleanup movement, Rimba Raya, in cooperation with the Seruyan Regency Public Health Office, has launched the Floating Clinic Initiative aiming to provide health services to communities along the Seruyan River. These services include general public health, prenatal care, pediatric care for children, as well as improved nutritional advice and supplies.

To build awareness, we have also introduced a 'Peatland Education Program' for primary school students, conducted in cooperation with the Peatland Restoration Agency.

All the proposed activities are conducted in accordance with COVID-19 health protocols which include social distancing, the wearing of protective masks and no mass crowding.

Contact:
Frita Junita
Communication Officer, Rimba Raya Conservation
Email: rimbarayajakarta@gmail.com

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Furuya Metal Has Become the First Japanese Precious Metal Company to Establish a Joint Venture with Anglo Platinum Marketing Limited, a Major PGM Producer in South Africa

TOKYO, Jul 27, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Furuya Metal Co., Ltd. (Head office: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; President: Takahito Furuya) has established a new company named "Furuya Eco-Front Technology" on May 27 2020, which will handle environmental businesses that capitalize on low-temperature active catalysts (hereafter referred to as "FT-eco catalysts"), and that on July 1 it signed an agreement to form a joint venture with Anglo Platinum Marketing Limited (Head office: London, the United Kingdom, hereafter referred to as "APML"), a subsidiary of Anglo American Plc. APML, which appreciates Furuya Metal's environmental businesses, is providing 40% of the capital for the new joint venture. This is the first time a major mining company in South Africa where accounts for 70% of the global platinum production, has formed a joint venture with a Japanese precious metal company.

In 2017, Furuya Metal established a mass-production system for FT-eco catalysts that resolves volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to humans and cause allergies and offensive odors, as well as ethylene, which accelerates the decay of plants, and has been actively promoting these catalysts.

As urban areas have developed economically in China and Southeast Asian countries, as well as Japan, people are continuously flowing into these areas, which creates food safety issues and increases the need for reducing food waste and improving public hygiene. In order to reduce the food waste due to spoilage and to improve people's health by preventing odor, inhibiting molds, and taking the advantage of the antimicrobial effect, Furuya Metal has recently established a new company. Furuya Metal is aiming to consolidate its business resource related to FT-eco catalyst, expand its distribution channels further, including overseas markets, and promote technology development through a newly formed subsidiary.

Press release (PDF): http://www.acnnewswire.com/clientreports/598/202007.pdf

About FT-eco catalysts

FT-eco catalysts are catalysts in which nanoparticles of precious metals such as platinum are carried in a special ceramic carrier. These catalysts can efficiently resolves VOCs and ethylene within a temperature range between 0 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius (room temperature) and exhibit a high level of catalytic effect when simply placed within the target space. Furthermore, since they almost never need to be replaced, cost reduction and energy saving can be expected. Therefore, it is projected that these catalysts will be utilized by makers of home appliances, such as air cleaners and refrigerators, retails stores that need to maintain the freshness of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants, and in logistics applications such as cold chains.

FT-eco catalysts are next-generation, energy-saving, environment-friendly catalysts that, because they work at low temperatures, can be expected to reduce energy consumption, thereby reducing CO2 emissions, and that have the potential of contributing to food waste reduction by maintaining freshness.

Furuya Metal Group specializes in PGM with particularly excellent properties among precious metals, and develops and manufactures products for a wide range of fields, including electronics, optical glass, clean energy, precious metal resource reutilization, environment, and medicine. The company was selected as one of the Global Niche Top Companies Selection 100 by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in the program's first year (2014) and again in its second year (2020). We plans to continue capitalizing on its unique technologies to help resolve social issues.

Overview of the new company
– Company name: Furuya Eco-Front Technology Co., Ltd.
– Head office location: MSB-21 Minami Otsuka Bldg., 2-37-5 Minami Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
– President: Hideki Kuwabara (Furuya Metal Co., Ltd. director), Wei Chen
– Established: May 27, 2020
– Capital: 250 million yen
– Capital ratio: Furuya Metal Co., Ltd. 60%; Anglo Platinum Marketing Ltd. 40%
– Business description: Development, manufacture, sales, and export of freshness-maintaining, mold-inhibiting, and antimicrobial environmental products that utilize low-temperature active catalysts

Product description video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGZa2eorg4ts1FHxxOOGvPg

[Overview of Furuya Metal Co., Ltd.]

Furuya Metal manufactures industrial-use precious metal products utilizing precious metals with high scarcity value included among platinum group metals (PGM) such as platinum (Pt), iridium (Ir) and ruthenium (Ru). Due to the extreme difficulty in processing these precious metals, the number of industrial-use precious metal manufacturers specializing in PGM is limited, even on a worldwide level. Industrial-use precious metals centered on PGM, can be considered as materials with a vital role in supporting advancements in the fields of electronics, optical glass, clean energy, environment and medicine because of their excellent characteristics such as heat resistance, chemical stability and good electrical conductivity.

The Company specializes in PGM possessing particularly excellent properties among precious metals, and manufactures and sells industrial-use precious metal products such as crucibles (heat-resistant containers), thin film materials, thermocouples (thermometers), and compounds, and is also engaged in recycling businesses, such as refining and recovering rare precious metals in order to most effectively utilize them.

Headquarters: MSB-21 Minami Otsuka Bldg., 2-37-5 Minami Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Takahito Furuya, President
Founded: March 1951
Incorporated: August 22, 1968
Capital: 5,445 million yen
Listed exchange: JASDAQ Standard (Securities code: 7826)
Employees: 312 (as of June 30, 2019)
Sales: 21,163 million yen (as of June 30, 2019)
Business description: Manufacture and sales of industrial-use precious metal products such as iridium and platinum, and thermosensors. Sales of electronic materials and semiconductor-related products. Manufacture and sales of thin film components.
Website: http://www.furuyametals.co.jp/

Press inquiries
Furuya Metal Co., Ltd. Planning Group of Metal Business Office
Naonori Odaka
E-Mail: odaka@furuyametals.co.jp

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Lifequest subsidiary Biopipe Global enters the United States with Shipment of its Revolutionary 100% Sludge-Free Biological Onsite Sewage Wastewater Treatment Plant to California

RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ / CHENNAI, IN, Jul 9, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – via NEWMEDIAWIRE — LIFEQUEST WORLD CORP (LQWC) subsidiary Biopipe Global, which has developed the world's only highly scalable onsite sludge and chemical-free sewage wastewater treatment technology, has shipped its first plant to California. With a capacity of 10m3/day (2,640 gallons/day), the plant will be installed at a campground in Southern California.

Enes Kutluca, the CEO of Biopipe, said, "Due to Covid-19, this is the first fully assembled and ready to install plant we have shipped from Turkey. We have an excellent engineering partner on the ground to install and commission the plant in the near future. We have implemented a new process with our manufacturer, PIMTAS, which will allow us to ship ready-to-install systems with capacity ranging from 2m3/day to 15m3/day. We also recognize that California Water Board (CWB) is one of the toughest water regulators in the world and we are confident that we will meet the effluent discharge standards set by CWB."

Max Khan, the President & CEO of Lifequest, said, "Given our focus on Asia and Africa, we did not intend to enter the USA market until 2021 due to all the regulatory hurdles and certifications that are required. But due to strong inquiries from various parts of the country, we decided to start with the toughest state. California faces an intractable water crisis and the recycling of wastewater is the only way out. Our BIOPIPE system is an effective solution for onsite wastewater treatment because it produces non-potable water that can be reused. The USA in general, but California in particular, represents an enormous opportunity."

About Lifequest & Biopipe

Lifequest offers both effluent treatment (ETP) and sewage treatment (STP) solutions. Biopipe, a wholly owned subsidiary, has developed a patented 100% sludge-free, chemical-free, odor-free, silent, easy to assemble and install, scalable, low cost, ecological and virtually maintenance-free onsite sewage wastewater treatment system. It treats both grey and black water. The treated water exceeds EU and all local standards for discharge and can be reused for irrigation, flushing and cleaning.

Visit: http://www.lifequestcorp.com
Contact: info@lifequestcorp.com
Telephone: +1-646-201-5242

Visit: http://www.biopipe.co
Tanmay Pawale: Tanmay@biopipe.co
Nina Aquino: Nina@biopipe.co

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current beliefs, expectations or intentions regarding future events. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "will," "will be," "anticipate," "predict," "expect" "continue," "future," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, many of which are generally outside the control of the Company and are difficult to predict. Examples of such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: future revenues, expenditures, capital, the adequacy of the Company's current cash and working capital to fund present and planned operations, and the growth through joint ventures. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, can be found in our current Disclosure Statements at www.otcmarkets.com. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause views and expectations to change. The Company assumes no obligation, and specifically disclaims any intention or obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Pacific Green Provides Business Activities Update

DOVER, DE / ACCESSWIRE, Jun 13, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Pacific Green Technologies, Inc. (the "Company" or "PGTK") (OTCQB:PGTK), developer of the ENVI-Marine(TM) emission control system (the "System"), today provides an update on the impact of the Pandemic on its business activities.

Since entering the marine sector, the Company has delivered 86 ENVI-Marine(TM) Systems to its customers, with another 56 ENVI-Marine(TM) Systems contracted to be delivered in 2020 and 2021. Travel restrictions resulting from the Pandemic have impeded the Company's ability to enter and exit shipyards. The Company has postponed 32 ENVI-Marine(TM) System installations to 2021 to accommodate client and supplier needs but has received no ENVI-Marine System cancellations as a result of the Pandemic.

The Company can report the successful registration in China of its joint venture company with partner PowerChina SPEM. The joint venture, along with the ongoing integration of Shanghai Engin Digital Technology Co. Ltd., ("Engin"), which was acquired by PGTK in December 2019, has positioned the Company to take advantage of the rapidly growing renewables market around the world in concentrated solar power (CSP), desalination and waste-to-energy (WtE).

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has made significant progress in developing its business relationships in India. By 2022, an additional 175 GW of electrical capacity in India is forecasted to require Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) (source: Centre for Science and Environment, India), which PGTK's efficient ENVI-Clean(TM) Systems are well suited to deliver.

The Company has continued its obligation to maintain shareholder value on behalf of its shareholders. The Company has embarked on an aggressive cost-cutting campaign and restructured its operations to maintain its strong financial position despite the global economic strain and uncertainty created by the Pandemic.

Scott Poulter, Chief Executive, said: "We have been working hard with our clients and suppliers to ease the collective strain that the Pandemic has imposed on our business and the business of our partners and stakeholders.

We are pleased to see increasing interest in our newly acquired solar and desalination technologies across a number of different regions. These opportunities will complement our highly-efficient emission control technologies, which have allowed us to target the massive FGD and WtE markets.

The Pandemic has had a devastating effect on lives and livelihoods. Hopefully, the world will take a new look at how we live and how we treat our environment as the two should go hand in hand."

About Pacific Green Technologies, Inc.

Pacific Green Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB:PGTK) is focused on addressing the world's need for cleaner and more sustainable energy. The company's strategy is to build through organic development and acquisition, a portfolio of patented competitive cutting-edge technologies designed to meet the growing market for renewables and increasingly stringent environmental standards. For more information, visit PGTK's website: www.pacificgreentechnologies.com

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the ongoing effects of the pandemic on delays and orders regarding Pacific Green's emission control system, potential business developments in India and future interest in our solar and desalination technologies.

Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, general economic and political conditions, the continuation of the JV with POWERCHINA SPEM, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT:
Scott Poulter, Chairman & CEO
Pacific Green Technologies
T: +1 (302) 601-4659

SOURCE: Pacific Green Technologies, Inc.

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U.S. Human Rights Lawyer Steven Donziger held hostage

NEW YORK, Apr 18, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – On April 16 2020, Nobel laureates, including Peace laureates and winners in Medicine, Chemistry, Physics, Economics and Literature, will announce they are calling for the release of human rights lawyer Steven Donziger from house arrest. Donziger helped rainforest communities win a landmark judgment against Chevron for polluting the Amazon in Ecuador, and he has been targeted by Chevron with a vicious retaliation campaign. He has been under house arrest for over 250 days in New York City, in part for refusing to hand over confidential case files and client communications to Chevron. It's thought to be the longest pretrial detention for a contempt charge for a lawyer in U.S. history.

Supporters asking for the release of Steven Donziger included:
– Jody Williams, 1997 Nobel Peace Prize winner
– Alec Baldwin
– Roger Waters
– Steven Donziger
– Paul Paz y Mino, Amazon Watch
– Ginger Cassady, Rainforest Action Network

Background: In 2011, human rights attorney Steven Donziger helped Ecuadorian Indigenous peoples and local communities win a landmark $9.5 billion judgment against Chevron for toxic pollution in the Amazon rainforest, where the company operated as Texaco from 1964 to 1992. Chevron was found to have deliberately dumped more than 16 billion gallons of toxic wastewater, spilled roughly 17 million gallons of oil, and abandoned toxic waste in 916 unlined open pits. It admitted to the deliberate pollution as a cost-saving measure.

Donziger has been on indefinite house arrest in New York since August 2019 under legal attack by Chevron and a private law firm appointed to prosecute him.

The law firm, Seward & Kissel, has deep ties to the oil industry and recently admitted that Chevron is a client. Chevron's legal assault is intended to smear Donziger, prevent Ecuadorians from obtaining justice, and intimidate human rights lawyers and advocates who dare to stand up to the fossil fuel industry. Now 30 Nobel laureates have joined Rainforest Action Network, Global Witness, Amazon Watch and other NGOs, plus Alec Baldwin and Roger Waters, in supporting one of the earth's leading defenders. Indigenous peoples — including several still living in voluntary isolation — and rural communities are under threat in the Amazon from large-scale industrial development, especially policies and activities related to extractive industries like oil and mining.

For Interviews: email Ariel Boone at aboone@amazonwatch.org.

Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Bringing the green revolution to electronics

Tsukuba, Japan, Feb 28, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Researchers are investigating how to make electronic components from eco-friendly, biodegradable materials to help address a growing public health and environmental problem: around 50 million tonnes of electronic waste are produced every year.

Designing electronics components using more eco-friendly materials could help reduce the impacts of the 50 million tonnes of e-waste produced annually.

Less than 20% of the e-waste we produce is formally recycled. Much of the rest ends up in landfills, contaminating soil and groundwater, or is informally recycled, exposing workers to hazardous substances like mercury, lead and cadmium. Improper e-waste management also leads to a significant loss of scarce and valuable raw materials, like gold, platinum and cobalt. According to a UN report, there is 100 times more gold in a tonne of e-waste than in a tonne of gold ore.

While natural biomaterials are flexible, cheap and biocompatible, they do not conduct an electric current very well. Researchers are exploring combinations with other materials to form viable biocomposite electronics, explain Ye Zhou of China's Shenzhen University and colleagues in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

The scientists expect that including biocomposite materials in the design of electronic devices could lead to vast cost saving, open the door for new types of electronics due to the unique material properties, and find applications in implantable electronics due to their biodegradability.

For example, there is widespread interest in developing organic field effect transistors (FET), which use an electric field to control the flow of electric current and could be used in sensors and flexible flat-panel displays.

Flash memory devices and biosensor components made with biocomposites are also being studied. For example, one FET biosensor incorporated a calmodulin-modified nanowire transistor. Calmodulin is an acidic protein that can bind to different molecules, so the biosensor could be used for detecting calcium ions.

Researchers are especially keen to find biocomposite materials that work well in resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices. These devices have non-volatile memory: they can continue to store data even after the power switch is turned off. Biocomposite materials are used for the insulating layer sandwiched between two conductive layers. Researchers have experimented with dispersing different types of nanoparticles and quantum dots within natural materials, such as silk, gelatin and chitosan, to improve electron transfer. An RRAM made with cetyltrimethylammonium-treated DNA embedded with silver nanoparticles has also shown excellent performance.

"We believe that functional devices made with these fascinating materials will become promising candidates for commercial applications in the near future with the development of materials science and advances in device manufacturing and optimization technology," the researchers conclude.

Further information
Ye Zhou
Shenzhen University
yezhou@szu.edu.cn

Paper
https://doi.org/10.1080/14686996.2020.1725395

About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials Journal
Open access journal STAM publishes outstanding research articles across all aspects of materials science, including functional and structural materials, theoretical analyses, and properties of materials.

Shunichi Hishita
STAM Publishing Director
HISHITA.Shunichi@nims.go.jp

Press release distributed by ResearchSEA for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

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