HighChem Company Limited (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Ushio Taka), is pleased to announce that its research laboratory has successfully established the fundamental manufacturing technology for Stereo Complex PLA (SC-PLA), a polylactic acid (PLA) material with excellent heat resistance and durability.
HighChem established its Materials Research Branch in 2022 and has since been conducting fundamental research on biodegradable materials and bio-based materials. The company has also actively promoted the social implementation of biodegradable materials, including the launch of its proprietary PLA fiber brand. Following the successful reproduction of technology based on the intellectual property rights for Stereo Complex PLA (SC-PLA) acquired from Teijin Limited (headquartered in Kita-ku, Osaka; President and CEO: Tetsushige Uchikawa), HighChem will further explore various opportunities for commercialization and accelerate efforts toward practical market implementation.
About Stereo Complex PLA (SC-PLA)
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a 100% plant-derived bioplastic that is biodegradable and can decompose into water and carbon dioxide under certain environmental conditions, thereby helping to reduce environmental pollution. However, due to its relatively simple chemical structure, conventional PLA has faced challenges related to limited strength and heat resistance.
Stereo Complex PLA (SC-PLA) is a PLA material with a unique stereocomplex crystalline structure produced from highly purified L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid. Compared with conventional PLA, it offers significantly enhanced heat resistance and durability. While ordinary PLA has a melting point of approximately 170°C, SC-PLA exhibits a melting point exceeding 210°C, enabling broader applications and processing at higher temperatures. In addition, properties such as hydrolysis resistance can be controlled through adjustments to its crystalline structure and molecular weight, further improving durability. As a result, SC-PLA is a plant-based bioplastic capable of achieving physical properties comparable to those of conventional commodity plastics.
HighChem's Development Strategy for Stereo Complex PLA (SC-PLA) Within Its Materials Business
Under its long-term strategy, “All for 1 for All,” HighChem is pursuing its goal of becoming a trillion-yen company while focusing on the development and commercialization of biodegradable materials, including bio-based materials.
As part of this initiative, HighChem entered into a strategic business partnership with Anhui BBCA Group Co., Ltd., China's largest PLA manufacturer. In 2021, the company launched its PLA fiber brand HIGHLACT® and has actively promoted the development of the PLA fiber market for apparel applications. In addition, as mentioned above, HighChem established its Materials Research Branch in 2022 and has been strengthening its fundamental research capabilities in the materials field.
With the successful reproduction of Stereo Complex PLA (SC-PLA) technology, HighChem will accelerate the next stage toward commercial-scale production. Furthermore, by advancing the full-scale deployment of HIGHLACT®, its proprietary SC-PLA-based brand that enables dyeing and ironing at high temperatures (approximately 130°C), the company aims to contribute to reducing the environmental impact of high-performance textile products. Beyond the textile sector, HighChem will also actively expand applications into various heat-resistant molded materials, including films, sheets, electrical and electronic devices, automotive components, and 3D printing filaments.
Company Profiles
- Company Name: HighChem Company Limited
- Head Quarters: Tokyo Toranomon Global Square 11F, 1-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
- Established: April 8, 1998
- Business Areas: Chemical trading; technology licensing; catalyst development, manufacturing and contract production; green chemicals; and next-generation energy development.
- URL: https://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.
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