HighChem Company Limited (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Ushio Taka), a global chemical trading and manufacturing company, has begun handling various bentonite products, including a next-generation Composite Sodium Bentonite independently developed by a building materials manufacturer based in Liaoning Province, China.
“The Miracle Clay with a Thousand Uses” — What Is Bentonite?
Bentonite is a clay formed through volcanic activity and consists primarily of the natural mineral montmorillonite. Owing to its excellent water resistance, ion-exchange capacity, and thickening properties, it is used in a wide range of applications and is often referred to as “the miracle clay with a thousand uses.” It is commonly used in foundry sand binders for automotive parts, civil engineering materials, and cat litter. In recent years, its applications have expanded into higher-value-added products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and soil remediation, and demand is expected to remain stable.
Manufacturer’s Proprietary Next-Generation “Composite Sodium Bentonite”
Among these products, the manufacturer's proprietary Composite Sodium Bentonite has been granted a patent in China as a high-performance pellet binder. This flagship product combines high swelling capacity, excellent thickening performance, and multifunctionality with superior overall performance. By requiring only a small amount of addition, it increases iron content while simultaneously reducing costs, saving energy, lowering emissions, and improving production efficiency. As a result, it can be applied across a wide range of industries, including steel manufacturing, foundry operations, civil engineering, construction, agriculture, and pet care products.
Among these products, the manufacturer's proprietary Composite Sodium Bentonite has been granted a patent in China as a high-performance pellet binder. This flagship product combines high swelling capacity, excellent thickening performance, and multifunctionality with superior overall performance. By requiring only a small amount of addition, it increases iron content while simultaneously reducing costs, saving energy, lowering emissions, and improving production efficiency. As a result, it can be applied across a wide range of industries, including steel manufacturing, foundry operations, civil engineering, construction, agriculture, and pet care products.
HighChem has commenced handling these bentonite products and will promote the establishment of a stable domestic supply system for bentonite, application development and technical support tailored to customer needs, and the enhancement of logistics infrastructure. Through these efforts, HighChem aims to ensure a stable supply of bentonite products to the Japanese market while strengthening its ability to meet the diverse needs of customers.
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.
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