GX Mat, Reducing Air Conditioning Power Consumption by Up to 38% in Summer, Secures Patent

GX Mat, Reducing Air Conditioning Power Consumption by Up to 38% in Summer, Secures Patent

July 14, 2026 — Minamide Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture; President: Hiroto Minamide) has obtained a patent for the core technology of 'GX Mat,' a product designed to improve the operating environment of air conditioner outdoor units and reduce air conditioning power consumption.

GX Mat has undergone continuous improvement through verification tests in various environments, starting with joint trials with JR West Japan, followed by applications in railway facilities, manufacturing plants, and restaurants.

This patent acquisition signifies not only the acquisition of intellectual property but also a major step forward in recognizing the technology—refined through repeated cycles of verification, improvement, and re-verification—as uniquely innovative.

Moving forward, the company will continue expanding adoption among businesses, local governments, and households, while advancing further technological development.

What is GX Mat?

GX Mat is a product that improves the operating environment of outdoor air conditioning units by utilizing the latent heat of water vaporization.

Installed on top of the outdoor unit, the GX Mat retains rainwater and gradually evaporates moisture, thereby suppressing temperature rise around the unit. As a result, it reduces the load on the air conditioner’s compressor, leading to lower power consumption.

- Product Name: GX Mat - Specifications: Small: 250 x 500 x 42mm (¥15,000 per piece), Large: 250 x 900 x 42mm (¥22,500 per piece) - Effect: Reduces summer air conditioning electricity costs by up to 38% (※ Effect varies depending on weather and other conditions) - Usage Period: June to October - Purchase: Available on Kuraful, Amazon, and Rakuten

https://kuraful.jp/view/item/000000000213

Development Timeline

- 2022: Developed during an open innovation event hosted by Mie Prefectural Government - 2023: Began joint verification trials with JR West Japan https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000146314.html - 2024: Continued verification trials with JR West Japan https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000003.000146314.html Conducted verification trials with Denso and other major corporations - 2025: Achieved approximately ¥40 million in sales via crowdfunding Launched joint research with Mie University Began verification trials with major restaurant chains Decided to introduce GX Mat in major restaurant chains (confidential, hundreds of stores) - 2026: Started exhibition and sales at Bic Camera Ikebukuro IT Tower Store Core technology of GX Mat granted patent Cumulative sales exceed ¥100 million (based on suggested retail price) Accelerating social implementation

Our Vision Behind the Development

GX Mat appears to be a very simple product—'just place a mat on the outdoor unit and pour rainwater.'

Precisely because of this simplicity, we believe it is insufficient to merely say, 'It works.' We aim to create a product that can explain 'why it works' and 'how effectiveness varies under different conditions.' With this vision, we have strived to understand the underlying principles and improve the product through verification tests in multiple installation environments, joint research with Mie University, and testing at specialized institutions.

This patent acquisition represents the culmination of these continuous efforts. We will continue gathering verification data and refining the product to contribute to reducing summer electricity bills, improving energy efficiency of air conditioning systems, and lowering CO₂ emissions.

Effectiveness of GX Mat

Verification tests conducted in various environments, including with JR West Japan and Denso, have confirmed that GX Mat can reduce summer air conditioning power consumption by up to 38%. However, actual energy-saving performance varies depending on outdoor temperature, humidity, solar radiation, ventilation, outdoor unit model, and cooling load. In trials with major restaurant chains, average reductions of around 10% to 15% were observed.

### Verification Test Results with a Listed Railway Company

Average reduction of 38% over 56 days in a listed railway company

### Verification Test Results in a Meeting Room at an Automotive Manufacturer’s Factory

Maximum reduction of approximately 40%, average reduction of about 20%

### Verification Test Results with a Listed Restaurant Chain

Maximum reduction of approximately 10%, average reduction of about 7%

Contact Information

For detailed information or orders regarding this product, please contact:

- Company Name: Minamide Co., Ltd. - Address: 7-8-5 Kondo, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture - Phone: 03-6374-3425 - Email: [email protected]

About Minamide Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1924 (Taisho 13), Minamide Co., Ltd. celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024. Headquartered in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, the company primarily manufactures and distributes greening materials, agricultural supplies, and packaging materials. Known for its strength in continuous new business creation across generations, the company has recently expanded into urban greening by developing proprietary products such as recycled resin boards. Minamide Co., Ltd. will continue contributing to the realization of a sustainable society through environmentally friendly product development.