News Release

May 17, 2021 Press ReleaseTrading BusinessC1 Chemical BusinessMaterial Business

HighChem Completes New Tokyo Research Center in May 2021; Facility Size Sevenfold Larger to Boost Research Capabilities

HighChem Company Limited (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and President: Taka Ushio, hereinafter referred to as HighChem), is set to complete its new research facility, the 'HighChem Tokyo Research Center,' in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture on May 31, 2021. This new center will not only take over the research and development functions currently conducted at the Tokatsu Techno Plaza and the University of Tokyo Kashiwa Venture Plaza but will also expand its floor area to seven times its current size, significantly enhancing its research capabilities.

Overview of the new research institute

Name: HighChem Tokyo Research Center
Address: 3, Kashiwa Inter Minami 9, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture
Total floor area: 1662.83㎡
Structural scale: 3-story steel frame building
Completion date: May 31, 2021

The main theme of HighChem Tokyo Research Center is C1 Chemicals (catalysts and manufacturing processes for synthesizing chemical products from a single carbon atom, such as CO or CO2). In addition to improving the performance and cost reduction of two types of catalysts used in SEG® technology * that we have focused on since 2009, we are also developing catalysts for producing C1 Chemicals derivatives such as ethanol and higher alcohols, which are expected to be industrialized in the future.

The key functional enhancements include:

1. Strengthening research and development in chemicals manufacturing using CO2 as raw materials
2. Applied research on Biodegradable Materials
3. Manufacturing and quality control of our own product, which is the New Ceramics Binder "Serander®"

* SEG® technology: A technology that uses synthetic gas as a raw material to produce non-petroleum-derived ethylene glycol (a type of raw material for polyester manufacturing).

HighChem Intensifies R&D in Chemical Production using CO2 as a Raw Material at the Tokyo Research Center

① Production of green ethylene glycol from biomass and CO2 as raw materials
SEG® technology* can use a wide range of carbon sources as raw materials, including coal, natural gas, and industrial exhaust gas. Therefore, it is attracting attention as an eco-friendly technology that can effectively utilize various waste gases and reduce CO2 emissions. In addition, by applying this technology, we are currently developing the production of green ethylene glycol from biomass and CO2 with a view to commercialization.

②Catalyst development and catalyst scale-up research for paraxylene production using CO2 as a raw material
HighChem, in collaboration with Toyama University, Chiyoda Corporation, Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd., Nippon Steel Corporation, and Mitsubishi Corporation, is engaged in joint research and development. The project, which was started in July 2020, was selected for NEDO's "Carbon Recycling, Next-Generation Power Generation, CO2 Emission Reduction & Utilization, and CO2 to Chemicals Technology Development" program. As a result, the new Tokyo Research Center will focus on catalyst development and research for commercial-scale production to facilitate practical applications.

Once these two technologies are perfected, it will be possible to manufacture polyester fibers from only CO2, and it will be possible to supply high-value-added CO2-free fibers to the apparel industry, which is seeking new green materials. This will lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Applied research in Biodegradable Materials

HighChem is strengthening its handling of various Biodegradable Materials, including signing a business strategic partnership agreement with China's largest PLA (polylactic acid) manufacturer in August 2020. Biodegradable Materials are eco-friendly because they are ultimately decomposed into water and CO2 by the action of microorganisms, but they still have issues with functionality such as heat resistance. Therefore, we are conducting synthesis, modification, and applied research on Biodegradable Materials to improve their functionality.

For manufacturing and quality control of our own product, the "New Ceramic binder Serander®"

HighChem acquired the "New Ceramic binder Business" in January 2020. As a result, the company is manufacturing and selling "Serander®" as its own product. The new Ceramic binder is used in automotive materials and smartphones. As the 5G market is gaining momentum, it is also attracting attention as a component, and expansion into the Chinese market is accelerating. The new laboratory will begin production in 2022 and will also have a ceramic binder development laboratory to meet the strong new demand both domestically and overseas.

HighChem's research and development structure in Japan and China

HighChem owns three research institutes in Japan and China, employing approximately 50 researchers. The Tokyo Research Institute collaborates extensively with university labs and corporate R&D centers to conduct high-quality fundamental research. The Nantong Research Institute in China, equipped with a catalyst factory, focuses on pilot projects and scaling operations that are close to industrial stages. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Research Institute specializes in process design and engineering, enabling industrialization capabilities. Collectively, these facilities allow HighChem to cover all stages from basic research to real-world technology validation, facilitating full-scale industrialization under the HighChem banner.

Chinese research institute

Nantong Research Center

HighChem's Nantong Research Institute employs 26 dedicated research and development staff members who form a cohesive experiment and development team. Leveraging their extensive production experience from the catalyst factory, they collaborate with the Tokyo Research Center to conduct pilot projects and scale-up operations. The team is also responsible for catalyst performance evaluation, catalyst application development, process technology improvements, and organic synthesis. This integrated approach ensures that HighChem's research initiatives are not only innovative but also closely aligned with practical industrial applications.

Address: No. 6, Tongshun Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province

Shanghai Research Center

There are 7 research and development staff. The center is in charge of important parts of industrialization, such as process design, engineering, production equipment startup, and process technology improvement.

Address: Room 231, Building 6, Zhongtian Science and Technology Park, No. 787 Kangqiao Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai