HighChem Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Ushio Taka), a global chemical trading and manufacturing company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sarawak Petchem Sdn. Bhd. (owned by the Sarawak State Government of Malaysia) on May 9, 2025. The MOU was exchanged between both companies in the presence of the Sarawak State Government at the "Hydrogen Economy Forum" held in Sarawak on May 13.
The main objective of this MOU is to utilize HighChem’s SEG® technology for producing ethylene glycol from syngas and jointly develop and construct a plant in the petrochemical industrial park in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia. Initially, the SEG® plant will produce ethylene glycol using syngas derived from natural gas as the starting material. However, over time, the plant will transition to using green hydrogen produced from renewable energy and CO2 derived from biomass, as the country progresses with its renewable energy developments. The goal is to produce "Green Ethylene Glycol." This advanced initiative will accelerate the promotion of Sarawak’s sustainability targets and the global implementation of green chemical technologies such as HighChem’s CCU (Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilization) technology.
Roadmap for Downstream Industrial Development and Sustainability Goals in Sarawak, Malaysia with Abundant Natural Resources
Sarawak is located on Borneo Island and boasts the largest natural gas production in Malaysia. Additionally, approximately 3.5GW of hydropower plants, utilizing abundant hydro resources, are in operation, forming the foundation of the state’s electricity supply. To strategically utilize these rich natural resources, the state has developed a gas roadmap and is attracting global investment in downstream industries. This has attracted the attention of companies with cutting-edge technologies from around the world, including Japan. Last year, Sarawak Petchem started operating a methanol plant with an annual capacity of 1.75 million tons, marking a significant increase in downstream product production investments in the state. Furthermore, efforts to develop Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) using depleted gas fields, the production of green hydrogen using abundant hydropower, and biomass power generation are accelerating towards a sustainable society. Thus, Sarawak is working to balance its gas roadmap with sustainability goals, aiming for long-term economic growth and environmental responsibility across the state.
HighChem’s Efforts Toward the Social Implementation of "Green Ethylene Glycol"
HighChem has been working on technology and catalyst development for producing polyester raw materials such as ethylene glycol and paraxylene from CO2, based on C1 technology, as well as the social implementation of these technologies. In particular, in the development of technology for producing "Green Ethylene Glycol" from CO2, HighChem is utilizing its SEG® (Syngas to Ethylene Glycol) technology as a basis for both technological development and social implementation. Regarding SEG® technology, HighChem has expanded marketing activities primarily in China for the licensing of technology to produce ethylene glycol from syngas, with a total production capacity of 10 million tons per year and 23 licensing agreements, successfully commercializing lab-level technologies. Additionally, the mass production of catalysts supplied to these licensees and other achievements in commercialization offer a significant competitive advantage and stability. HighChem will continue to promote the global social implementation of green chemical technologies based on these competitive advantages, along with its excellent marketing and technical capabilities.
Company Profile – HighChem Co., Ltd. (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 Co., Ltd.
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 Co., Ltd. Public Relations office＞
Ms. Kuroiwa (+81-90-6539-4213) TEL: +81-3-5251-8580 E-mail: koho@highchem.co.jp
HighChem's Licensing business https://highchem.co.jp/services/license/ HighChem's Green Chemical business https://highchem.co.jp/services/greenchemical/