New Product "Pro-Gard Rice Keeps" Launched on October 6 Maintains the moisture content of new rice for 3 years, and requires no vacuum or desiccant to store at room temperature

J-Chemical Corporation (Head Office: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President: Hidemichi Takanashi) will release a new highly functional storage bag, "PROGARD Rice Keep," on October 6, 2025. This product is a revolutionary storage bag that enables "room temperature storage," overturning conventional wisdom and maintaining the taste and freshness of rice for a long period of time.

ProGuard Rice Keepsake Leaf 1

■Background of Development

Rice, an essential part of the Japanese diet, loses its flavor over time and is exposed to the risk of insects and mold. The conventional method of preserving rice has been to vacuum pack it and use desiccants and antioxidants, but these methods are costly, time-consuming, and in some cases not sufficiently effective.

In addition, there are significant challenges in the home preservation environment. According to a "Survey on Rice Cooking Habits" conducted by a major consumer electronics manufacturer in 2021, only about 10% of households store rice in the refrigerator after purchase. On the other hand, about 40% of respondents said they thought rice should be stored in the refrigerator but did not have the space, highlighting the practical difficulties of refrigerated storage.

In fact, according to a survey conducted by an Internet research firm, approximately 50% of respondents store rice in a rice bin at room temperature, and approximately 26% store rice in a bag at room temperature, confirming that room temperature storage is the mainstream at home. Furthermore, a survey conducted by another research firm found that 81% of respondents "keep rice at room temperature," further confirming the high demand for keeping rice at room temperature.

Based on the feedback from consumers, we conducted research to see if there was a bag that could store rice at room temperature without refrigeration, but no such product existed on the market at the time. On the other hand, our best-selling product, "Kimono Keeper," realized the elimination of the need for moth-drying by using a special three-layer film, and many of our customers have found it to be very effective. By applying this technology, we have started development of a rice bag that does not attract insects and does not deteriorate in flavor even at room temperature.

Product Outline and Features

The new "ProGuard Rice Keep" uses "ProGuard," an internationally patented three-layer film developed by our company. This has enabled us to realize innovative functions that were not available in conventional rice preservation.

<Three major points

1. keeps the moisture content of new rice for 3 years

Maintains the original texture and taste of rice during storage. 2.

(2) Room temperature storage is possible

Easy storage at home without resorting to refrigerators or vacuum-packing. 3.

No need for desiccants or antioxidants

No additives or labor is required for long-term preservation.

Other Features

Prevents flavor deterioration due to oxidation: Preserves the flavor of rice during storage.

Prevents insect infestation and breeding: Ensures a safe and clean storage environment

Zero transfer of odors: Maintains the original aroma of the rice without transferring the aroma of surrounding food.

99.9% UV protection: Prevents deterioration and discoloration caused by light

Eco-friendly design that can be used repeatedly: Environmentally friendly and sustainable storage bag

ProGuard Rice Keep Points

■ Evaluation from experts

This product has been supervised by the Association of Rice and Taste Appraisers, and has also been highly evaluated by Mr. Riki Onodera, a 5-star rice master, as "a possible new standard for rice preservation. It has been proven to "maintain the original moisture and flavor of rice," which was difficult to achieve with conventional preservation methods, and has earned the trust of experts.

Quality and Safety Tests

Insect damage test: In a test using the common weevil, the great enemy of rice, it was confirmed that the weevil did not hatch or multiply.

Taste test: Moisture content, protein, and amylose are retained for 3 years, demonstrating that the taste of new rice can be maintained for a long period of time.

Moisture (water vapor) permeability measurement: High barrier performance significantly suppresses moisture migration.

Moisture (freshness) retention test of rice: Demonstrated that the moisture content of fresh rice can be maintained for a long period of time.

Measurement of oxygen permeability: Oxygen permeability is significantly reduced compared to general storage bags.

Anti-oxidation retention test: Verified that flavor deterioration due to oxidation is prevented and the taste is retained.

Product Specifications

Storage capacity: 3 kg

Size : 300 mm (length) x 300 mm (width) x 100 mm (bottom gusset)

Size: 300 mm (length) x 300 mm (width) x 100 mm (bottom gusset) ● Specifications: 99.9% prevention of moisture and air movement by adopting a triple zipper

Usage: Widely used by farmers, rice wholesalers, general households, restaurants, etc.

Suggested retail price: 900 yen (excluding tax)

Proguard Rice Keep Package

Proguard Rice Keep Main body

■ Future Prospects

Through "Proguard Rice Keep," Jay Chemical will contribute to the reduction of food loss in households, reduction of CO2 emissions, and reduction of storage costs in the agriculture and distribution industries. In addition, we will continue to promote research and development of preservation technologies to realize a sustainable food culture.

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Sustainable Technology Dissemination Platform "STePP") Evaluation

https://itpo-tokyo.unido.org/en/technology_db/11580/

Progard Rice Keep

■ Company Profile

Company name: J-Chemical Corporation

Location: 3-31-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Hidemichi Takanashi, Representative Director

● Business: Development, manufacture and sales of special three-layer films