NTT Docomo has developed a couple of mobile phone prototypes using surplus wood from trees culled during thinning operations to maintain healthy forests. This innovative approach not only promotes sustainability but also introduces a unique aesthetic to mobile phone design.
The new prototypes were created in a joint venture between NTT Docomo and Sharp, and the handsets have been given the name ‘Touch Wood’.
Unique Features of Touch Wood Handsets
Each TOUCH WOOD handset features its own distinctive grain patterns and natural coloring. No artificial colors or paints are used, so the cypress retains its original natural appearance and aroma. The wood also has an attractive shine that is created during the compression process.
The TOUCH WOOD is made from the surplus wood of trees culled during forest-thinning operations. This new commercial use for thinned wood, which traditionally has only limited applications, helps to preserve other wood resources while strengthening the health of overgrown forests. So far, TOUCH WOOD production has used wood culled from the Shimanto forest in Japan’s Kochi Prefecture. The forest is managed by the more trees project.
The Touch Wood handsets are not just about aesthetics; they also carry a deeper environmental significance. By utilizing surplus wood, NTT Docomo and Sharp are contributing to the reduction of waste and promoting the sustainable management of forests. This initiative aligns with global efforts to combat deforestation and promote the use of renewable resources.
Environmental and Technological Impact
The use of wood in mobile phones is a novel concept that could pave the way for more eco-friendly electronic devices. Traditional mobile phones are made from plastic and metal, materials that have a significant environmental footprint. By contrast, wood is a renewable resource that can be sustainably harvested and managed. This shift could potentially reduce the carbon footprint associated with mobile phone production.
Moreover, the Touch Wood phones are designed to be durable. The compression process used to create the wood casing not only enhances its shine but also its strength, making it resistant to everyday wear and tear. This durability means that the phones could have a longer lifespan compared to traditional plastic phones, further reducing their environmental impact.
Both of these new prototype wooden mobile phones will be exhibited at ITU Telecom World 2009 in Geneva in October. This exhibition will provide a platform for NTT Docomo and Sharp to showcase their innovative approach to mobile phone design and sustainability. There is no word on when we might see these handsets in the shops or how much they will retail for, but the interest generated at the exhibition could potentially lead to commercial production.
The Touch Wood project is a testament to how technology and nature can coexist harmoniously. It challenges the conventional materials used in electronic devices and opens up new possibilities for sustainable design. As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases, products like the Touch Wood handsets could become more popular.
In conclusion, NTT Docomo and Sharp’s Touch Wood handsets represent a significant step forward in sustainable technology. By using surplus wood from forest-thinning operations, they are not only creating unique and beautiful mobile phones but also promoting the health of forests and reducing waste. This innovative approach could inspire other companies to explore sustainable materials and practices, leading to a greener future for the electronics industry.
via TFTS
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