HighChem Company Limited (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Ushio Taka), a global chemical trading and manufacturing company, has commenced sample work to develop the Japanese market for HFO-1233zd, a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) product manufactured by Jiangxi Artsen Chemical Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Artsen Chemical"). HFO-1233zd features a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than 1, zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), as well as non-flammability and low toxicity.
Artsen Chemical was established in July 2022 following the acquisition of a 51% stake in the Jiangxi plant (Guixi City, Yingtan, Jiangxi Province) of Zhejiang Aksen Chemical Co., Ltd. by Zhejiang Zhongxin Fluoride Materials Co., Ltd. through a share transfer and capital increase. The company originated from an HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) manufacturing facility established in 2018 and was subsequently renamed Jiangxi Artsen Chemical Co., Ltd. Today, it has attracted significant attention as one of the few specialized manufacturers in China capable of producing HFOs using its own proprietary technology and production facilities.
HFO-1233zd (E)
HFO-1233zd (E), the company's flagship product, is primarily used as a blowing agent for rigid polyurethane foam. It is widely utilized in applications such as building insulation materials, refrigerators, and air-conditioning systems. Demand for insulation materials is expected to continue growing, particularly in response to increasingly stringent energy-efficiency requirements and the expansion of energy-saving housing initiatives.
HFO-1233zd (Z)
HFO-1233zd (Z) is a fluorinated industrial solvent used in cleaning applications for semiconductors and other precision components. Fluorinated solvents have long been valued as high-performance cleaning agents for degreasing precision-machined metal parts. However, conventional solvents such as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) have been phased out due to their high ozone depletion potential and contribution to global warming. In addition, HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), which were widely adopted as replacement products, are also being gradually phased out under environmental regulations. As a result, HFOs (hydrofluoroolefins) have emerged as leading candidates for the final replacement of fluorinated solvents, offering an excellent balance of safety, superior degreasing performance, low GWP, and zero ODP. They are also expected to serve as alternatives to brominated solvents, which have faced increasingly stringent regulations in recent years.
As Artsen Chemical's distributor in Japan, HighChem will promote stable supply, collaboration on product development tailored to customer needs (including enhanced technical support through future cooperation), and the establishment of a robust logistics network. Through these initiatives, HighChem will ensure a stable supply of HFO products to the Japanese market, where demand is expected to increase due to mandatory compliance with energy-efficiency standards for insulation materials, expanding domestic investment in the semiconductor industry, and the growing need for final replacement solutions for fluorinated and brominated solvents.
Company Profile – HighChem Company Limited (highchem.co.jp)
HighChem, as both a chemical trading company and manufacturer, handles a wide range of products and technologies, from life science sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, and pesticides to cutting-edge electronic components. In addition, the company’s manufacturing-focused Sustainability Division operates four research institutes and a catalyst mass-production plant in Japan and China. HighChem has commenced the development and commercialization of decarbonization technologies based on its C1-based SEG® technology, which has a licensing track record of 10 million tons per year, and utilizes CO2 for chemical production. The company is also focusing on the development of bio-chemical technologies and energy storage systems. Moving forward, HighChem will continue expanding its global business with a focus on more innovative products, technologies, and services.
Company Name: HighChem Company Limited
Head Office: 11F Tokyo Toranomon Global Square, 1-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
President: Ushio Taka
Business Overview: Import/export and sales of chemical products, contract manufacturing, technology licensing, catalyst production and sales, biodegradable materials sales, etc.
[Inquiries about products related to this release]
HighChem Company Limited Trade Headquarters Chemicals Division Functional Chemicals Department Person in charge: Dai
TEL: 03-5251-8551 E-mail: dinggui@highchem.co.jp
For more information, please contact:
＜HighChem Company Limited Public Relations office＞
Ms. Kuroiwa (+81-90-6539-4213) TEL: +81-3-5251-8580 E-mail: koho@highchem.co.jp