A New Option to Protect Forestry Workers' Health: Aspen2 Included in Forestry Agency's Clean Fuel Subsidy Program

Hashimotoya Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President: Masanori Higashihara) announces that its premixed 2-stroke engine fuel 'ASPEN2' has been designated as an eligible product under the Forestry Agency's 'FY2025 Supplementary Budget Emergency Support Subsidy for Securing Forestry Workers (Forestry Labor Safety Assurance Measures Project)', specifically as a 'Clean Engine Fuel (Trial Use up to 100L)'.

https://www.f-realize.co.jp/anzenr08/

This subsidy program aims to enhance occupational safety and health in forestry operations and secure labor by establishing safer and more hygienic working environments.

The key to the future of forestry lies in creating workplaces where people can continue working.

Currently, the forestry industry faces significant challenges due to labor shortages and an aging workforce, making workforce retention a critical issue.

Therefore, it is no longer sufficient to simply increase the number of workers; it is equally important to create safe and comfortable environments that allow people to work long-term.

This subsidy supports the introduction of safety equipment and devices, as well as labor safety training, to build safer and more hygienic workplaces and thereby improve worker retention.

In other words, this is not merely a program supporting equipment purchases, but one fundamentally aimed at protecting workers' safety and health.

Safety measures are not limited to personal protective gear.

When people think of safety in forestry, they often picture helmets and protective pants.

However, in workplaces using chainsaws and brush cutters, operators are exposed daily to exhaust fumes containing harmful substances, often at close range.

Workers have reported issues such as eye irritation and unpleasant odors, highlighting the importance of reducing health burdens from exhaust emissions when creating safe and hygienic work environments.

Because fuel is used daily, its quality makes a significant difference.

ASPEN2 is a premixed fuel specifically designed for 2-stroke engines, reducing harmful substances by approximately 93% compared to conventional gasoline.

It drastically reduces benzene and aromatic compounds commonly found in regular gasoline.

Benzene, in particular, is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogenic to humans. Given that fuel is used daily, minimizing exposure to such harmful substances is crucial.

Additionally, ASPEN2 produces less odor and reduces eye irritation, contributing to a work environment that is gentler on the human body, especially in chainsaw operations.

ASPEN Official Website

Now is the perfect opportunity to experience ASPEN2.

Under this program, up to 50% of eligible expenses for ASPEN2, categorized as 'Clean Engine Fuel (Trial Use up to 100L)', will be subsidized.

The application deadline is scheduled for October 15, 2026 (Reiwa 8). Applications will close early if the budget limit is reached.

For businesses that have been interested in ASPEN2 but hesitant due to cost, this subsidy offers an excellent chance to trial it in real-world operations.

We hope this subsidy program serves as an opportunity for users to experience ASPEN2 firsthand and take a meaningful step toward building safer, healthier workplaces by prioritizing worker protection.

*Eligibility and application requirements apply. For details, please visit the program secretariat’s website (Forest Environment Realize Co., Ltd.).

https://www.f-realize.co.jp/anzenr08/

About Hashimotoya Co., Ltd.

Hashimotoya Co., Ltd. is a specialized fuel distributor with over 120 years of history since its founding in 1897. The company believes that supporting the health and safety of those who work as 'guardians of the forest' through safe, forestry-focused fuels like ASPEN2 is the first step toward securing the future of Japan's forestry industry. Hashimotoya aims to be a strong enabler for the sustainable continuation of forestry into the next generation.

Inquiries

For inquiries regarding ASPEN, please contact via the official website: https://aspen-hashimotoya.jp/

Company Overview

Company Name: Hashimotoya Co., Ltd. Headquarters: 7F, 4-20-1 Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Representative: President Masanori Higashihara Founded: 1897 (Meiji 30) Business Activities: Import and sales of specialty fuels, fuel procurement for R&D sectors, and more URL: https://www.kkhashimotoya.co.jp/ Keywords: