Biodegradable plastics

Contributing to the worldwide spread of biodegradable plastics

Biodegradable plastics can be used in the same manner as ordinary plastics during use, but they will be decomposed into water and CO2 by microorganisms in nature after use, eventually returning to nature. Most of the plastics that have been developed in the past have caused various environmental problems, such as the issue of plastic in the seas and oceans. In China, while the problem of pollution in broad rivers and other areas is becoming more serious, suppliers of biodegradable materials are emerging as those who can help to solve this problem.

HighChem has established close relationships with such suppliers and is able to propose a wide range of products. By serving as a bridge between suppliers in China and material manufacturers in Japan, HighChem’s goal is to improve the quality of biodegradable plastics and contribute to their popularization worldwide.

Biodegradable plastics/Product lineup

HighChem has built close relationships with suppliers of biodegradable plastic in China, handling a wide variety of biodegradable plastics, including polylactic acid (PLA) and PHBV, that are degradable in the ocean.

PLA (Polylactic acid)

Biodegradable plastics made from corn

A business strategy partnership agreement was signed with a subsidiary of BBCA, China's largest polylactic acid (PLA) manufacturer.

■ A polylactic acid (PLA) plant with an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons began operating at a partner factory in August 2020, with current annual production capacity of 100,000 tons (as of July 2022).
■ The production scale of the partner factory is set to be expanded to 700,000 tons per year by 2023.
■ Extrusion moldings, injection moldings, and fiber-grade PLA resin are provided.

Features: Carbon neutral, biodegradable, and antibacterial
Applications: Containers (food trays), films, non-woven fabrics, fibers, etc.

HIGHLACT®

Biodegradable plastic polylactic acid (PLA) has a simpler chemical structure than ordinary plastic, but this poses some challenges such as lack of strength, low thermal resistance and high production costs. In order to resolve these issues, HighChem has developed HIGHLACT® made from a next-generation PLA material by means of CHEMTEX, a fusion of CHEMICAL (strength in the chemical field that HighChem has cultivated over the years) and TEXTILE (Japan's outstanding traditional textile and dyeing technologies).

PHBV

Biodegradable plastics that completely biodegrade in the marine environment

■ Biodegradable at low temperatures
■ Biomass resin produced from plant-derived raw materials
■ Excellent bioabsorbable properties
■ Diverse physical properties

Features: Completely biodegradable in the ocean, plant-derived, and highly bioabsorbable
Applications: Packaging materials, medical supplies, straws, etc.

PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate)

Biodegradable plastics suitable for packaging materials and agricultural mulching films

■ Characteristics similar to those of general-purpose polyethylene
■ Excellent processing characteristics

Features: Biodegradability and flexibility
Applications: Packaging materials, agricultural mulching sheets, tapes, etc.

Compound products

List of other biodegradable plastics available

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