23/4/2026
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
President: Norio Nakajima
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, Murata) has developed the bulk case, a new type of packaging for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) which reduces the amount of packaging material used by up to 99% compared to conventional packaging. Currently, we are using this packaging for some products of the eligible size, and over the past few years, we have shipped more than 10 million units to companies within the Murata Group. We have also confirmed that consistent quality is maintained in the mass production process.
The bulk case packaging method consists of placing the MLCCs in a dedicated case. During assembly, the components are arranged by a bulk feeder before being fed into the surface mounter. The packaging is suitable for MLCCs of sizes 01005-inch (0.4 mm × 0.2 mm) and 0201-inch (0.6 mm × 0.3 mm).
Bulk case containing MLCCs
As the demand for MLCCs has increased, so has the amount of packaging material used. In response, Murata has identified reducing the environmental impact of our manufacturing and logistics processes as a key priority, and we have been undertaking a radical review of our packaging methods. The bulk case is a new packaging method that was developed as part of this initiative.
On the environmental side, the bulk case can reduce the weight of packaging material by up to approximately 99% compared to Murata’s conventional taping method in the case of packaging 10,000 0201-inch size MLCCs. This significantly reduces the use of plastic and paper, thereby helping to lower environmental compliance costs such as waste disposal taxes, incineration costs, and carbon taxes. Furthermore, it also helps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the manufacture, transport, and disposal of packaging materials.
In terms of productivity, for the 01005-inch size MLCC, the bulk case can hold 500,000 components per case, compared to 20,000 components per reel with the conventional taping method. Since a quantity equivalent to 25 reels can now be consolidated into a single case, we expect improvements in work efficiency through reduced material management and storage space requirements, as well as less frequent setup changes. Furthermore, the increased packing density also reduces the number of times components need to be transported during the production process, thereby helping to improve movement efficiency within the production plant.
The capacities for each eligible size are as follows:
- 01005-inch: 500,000 units/case (approximately 25 times the capacity of conventional packaging)
- 0201-inch: 150,000 units/case (approximately 10 times the capacity of conventional packaging)
Comparison of conventional taping and the bulk case
This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with manufacturers of mounting equipment, packaging materials, components, and sets who are participating in the JEITA project group’s efforts (launched in 2021) to establish a standard for a new bulk case (for ultra-small sizes) for the packaging of surface mounting components. The standardized specifications have been published as an IEC Technical Specification (IEC TS 60286-6-1), and we plan to offer a royalty-free license for these specifications.
Murata aims to take the environmental impact reduction initiatives that have been verified on the production floor and transform them into products for society at large in order to create both social and economic value. The bulk case is just one concrete example of this, and we will continue to develop technologies that help reduce the environmental impact of the entire supply chain, including manufacturing and logistics processes.
Additional information on adoption
The bulk case is not intended to completely replace the conventional taping method, but rather to serve as one of the packaging options that can be selected depending on the product and the production and usage conditions. As the suitability and adoption conditions vary depending on the product series, detailed specifications, and production process, even for the same size, it is necessary to confirm the specific conditions when considering adoption.
We can also provide samples for evaluation purposes. With regard to mass production, we plan to gradually establish a production system based on the results of evaluations and feedback from the market.
Furthermore, a bulk-case-compatible feeder is required for the surface mounting process using this packaging method. Please contact the relevant mounting equipment manufacturer to inquire about compatibility and detailed specifications.
Component prices will remain unchanged.
Murata in Brief
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of ceramic-based passive electronic components & solutions, communication modules and power supply modules. Murata is committed to the development of advanced electronic materials and leading edge, multi-functional, high-density modules. The company has employees and manufacturing facilities throughout the world.
For more information, visit Murata's website