Blog | Organomation

Distributor Spotlight Series: Orange Science

Written by David Oliva | October 24, 2024

 

 

Organomation, a leading manufacturer of laboratory equipment, has recently partnered with Orange Science to distribute their sample concentrators in Japan. This collaboration marks Organomation's first official distributor in the Japanese market, opening up new opportunities for both companies.

 

 

About Orange Science

Orange Science is a reputable distributor of research equipment within the Japanese market. They specialize in the distribution of laboratory instruments designed to meet the needs of the biotechnology and life science industries. As a highly specialized company, Orange Science is dedicated to fully understanding the needs of their customers and becoming an industry expert on behalf of the researchers they serve.

 

Partnership with Organomation

The partnership between Organomation and Orange Science is built on shared values and a commitment to serving the scientific community. Both companies are highly specialized in their respective fields and are dedicated to understanding the research needs of their end-users. This collaboration allows Organomation to enter the Japanese market with an experienced and informed partner.

 

Product Offerings and Initial Success

Through this partnership, Orange Science offers Organomation's three main blowdown evaporator lines:

N-EVAP: Ideal for evaporating a variety of sample volumes in different sized test tubes

MULTIVAP: Perfect for evaporating large batches of the same sized test sample

MICROVAP: Designed for evaporating from standard or deep-well microplates

Orange Science has seen initial success with the 24 position N-EVAP, which has been specifically designed for concentrating PFAS samples ahead of LC-MS analysis. This model is particularly relevant given Japan's growing focus on PFAS detection in drinking water.

 

Showcase at JASIS

Recently, Orange Science showcased Organomation's N-EVAP at the Japan Analytical and Scientific Instruments Show (JASIS) in Tokyo. This event provided an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of Organomation's equipment to the Japanese scientific community. Organomation's General Manager, David Oliva, was present at the event, highlighting the strong collaboration between the two companies.

 

PFAS Analysis in Japan

Japan has recently intensified its efforts to address the growing concern over PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination, particularly in drinking water. In a significant move, the Japanese government announced in June 2024 that it will conduct its first thorough survey on PFAS concentration in tap water nationwide[1].

This decision comes after alarming discoveries of PFAS contamination across the country. In October 2023, a filtration plant in Kibichuo, Okayama Prefecture, was found to have PFAS levels 28 times higher than the government's provisional target[1][4]. The government currently sets a provisional target of 50 nanograms per liter for the combined concentration of PFOS and PFOA in tap water and rivers[1][4].

In response to these findings, the government has called on prefectural governments and water utility companies to provide data on PFAS concentrations in tap water by the end of September 2024[1][4]. This comprehensive survey will cover some 12,000 water providers across the country[4].

On the health front, Japan's Food Safety Commission has made significant strides in assessing the potential risks associated with PFAS exposure. In a draft report, the commission proposed a "tolerable daily intake" (TDI) limit of 20 nanograms each for PFOA and PFOS per kilogram of body weight per day[3]. While the commission stated that normal dietary intake of PFOS and PFOA is unlikely to cause significant health effects, they acknowledged that the effects of PFAS on birthweight loss and reduced immunity are "undeniable"[2].

From a regulatory standpoint, Japan had banned the production and import of two key PFAS compounds by 2021[4]. However, the recent findings and ongoing studies suggest that the country may need to consider more stringent regulations in the future.

This comprehensive approach to PFAS analysis and regulation in Japan reflects the growing global concern about these persistent chemicals. As the country grapples with this issue, the demand for advanced analytical techniques and equipment is likely to increase, presenting opportunities for companies providing solutions for PFAS detection and analysis.

 

Expertise and Support

Orange Science brings valuable market expertise and customer relationships to this partnership. Their dedication to fully understanding customer needs aligns well with Organomation's commitment to serving researchers. This collaboration ensures that Japanese laboratories will have access to high-quality sample preparation equipment backed by knowledgeable local support.

 

Market Impact

This partnership represents a significant step for Organomation, as it's their first official distributor in Japan. It allows the company to expand its global reach, having already sold instruments to over 100 countries since its inception in 1959. The collaboration is particularly timely given the increasing focus on PFAS analysis worldwide.

 

Contact Information

For more information about Organomation's products in Japan, please visit https://www.orangescience.co.jp/organomation-main.

Both Organomation and Orange Science are excited about this collaboration and the opportunity to provide these laboratory concentrators to the Japanese market, furthering research capabilities in biotechnology, life sciences, and environmental analysis in the region.

 

Sources:

[1] Kyodo News. (2024, June 22). Japan to conduct 1st thorough survey of PFAS chemicals in tap water.

[2] China Daily. (2024, June 25). Japan govt says PFAS chemicals' health impact 'undeniable'.

[3] Environmental Health News. (2024). Japan sets draft limits for PFAS in food.

[4] The Japan Times. (2024, June 24). Government instigates nationwide survey on PFAS in Japan's tap water.