Presentation Ceremonies Were Held at 3 Social Welfare Facilities Receiving Shape-memory Eating Utensils under the Headquarters Branch's "Matching Gift" Donation Program

The donated utensils feature a shape-memory polymer developed by MHI that makes them malleable when immersed in water heated to more than 70°C. The resulting pliability enables the shape to change, for easy gripping by the specific user. For people who have difficulty eating on their own because of handicaps such as weak grasping power or disability in moving their hands or shoulders, attempting to use eating utensils unsuited to their needs can be highly stressful and can also lower their quality of life. For these reasons, shape-memory eating utensils are eagerly welcomed.

In April, presentation ceremonies were held at social welfare facilities in Tokyo (Hanasaku Fukushikai's Hanahata Workshop), Miyagi (Yoko Fukushikai Social Welfare Corp.'s Echo Rehabilitation Center) and Osaka (Osaka Prefecture Council of Social Welfare). During tours of the facilities after the ceremonies, users spoke of their happiness at being able to eat normally with their new shape-memory spoons, saying that until now they had to support their regular spoons with both hands. Employees at the facilities also expressed their hope that the new utensils will be helpful to people who have difficulty taking in the necessary level of nutrition because they spill so much of their food. The recipient organizations, however, also voiced the need for shape-memory eating utensils at their other facilities, so we intend to continue this program further in the coming years.

Going forward, the MHI Group will continue to proactively undertake activities that make social contributions - in keeping with its CSR Action Guidelines calling for "Care for the planet," "Create a more harmonious society" and "Inspire the future."