Honda Motor has adopted DURABIO, a bio-based engineering plastic from the Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG Group), for the colored bodywork and windshield of its X-ADV motorcycles sold in Japan from December 12, 2024.

As well as providing the toughness and other features required for motorcycle bodywork parts, DURABIO can be given a glossy, sophisticated look just by adding colorants. The added value given by the ability to eliminate the conventional painting process was a major factor in the decision to adopt DURABIO™ for this application, marking its first use for paintless bodywork for motorcycles.

DURABIO is a bio-based engineering plastic made from isosorbide, a renewable plant-derived raw material. It helps reduce the consumption of petroleum, a finite non-renewable resource, and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases since the plants that provide the raw material absorb CO2 as they grow.

DURABIO exhibits outstanding toughness, scratch resistance, and color development properties and is being used in a wide range of fields, including automotive interior and exterior parts, components for optical and electronic devices, and other products used in everyday life.

Through the development of DURABIO, the MCG Group continues to deliver high-value-added products to drive the realization of a sustainable society.