News Release
HighChem Innovates with PHBV: A Biodegradable Plastic Solution for Cosmetics to Combat Microplastic Pollution
HighChem Company Limited (Headquarters: President and CEO: Ushio Taka, hereinafter referred to as HighChem) has entered into a strategic partnership with Nikko Rica Co., Ltd. (Headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Tatsuo Hiwada, hereinafter referred to as Nikko Rica), to develop cosmetic applications for PHBV (Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), a type of marine-biodegradable biomass resin known as Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). This collaboration leverages Nikko Rica's technological expertise to enhance the functionality of PHBV resin, imported by HighChem from China, for use in cosmetics. This initiative aims to address the escalating issue of marine microplastic pollution and establish a market presence for PHBV as a viable solution, embraced by consumers aiming for sustainability.
What Nikko Rica and HighChem can do to “Protect the richness of the ocean”
Nikko Rica, renowned for its innovative powder processing technology, optimizes the unique properties of materials for cosmetic applications. As environmental concerns become increasingly paramount, Nikko Rica commits to protecting marine wealth and coexisting with nature. Leveraging decades of technical expertise, the company aims to serve as a bridge to the next generation, contributing positively to ecological sustainability through advanced material solutions tailored for the cosmetics industry.
HighChem leveraging its strong connections with China's largest producer of biodegradable resins, is intensifying efforts to import these materials into Japan amidst the expanding biodegradable plastics market in China. These robust partnerships enable HighChem to ensure a stable supply of biodegradable plastics, facilitating the development of the Japanese market. In collaboration with Nikko Rica and HighChem aims to address the critical issue of marine microplastic pollution. Together, they are introducing products made with PHBV resin, a solution geared towards mitigating the growing concerns over microplastics in the ocean. This initiative represents a significant step towards solving the microplastic challenges faced by the cosmetics industry, with the goal of establishing a market presence for these environmentally-friendly products among consumers.
Microplastics in Cosmetics: A Hidden Contributor to Marine Pollution
Microplastic particles are commonly used as base materials in various makeup items, including primers, foundations, eyeshadows, and blushes. These plastics improve the tactile feel of cosmetics and enhance light-diffusion effects, catering to consumers demanding higher functionality in their beauty products. However, when these plastics wash away from sinks, they often pass through sewage filtration systems and eventually make their way into rivers and oceans. These microplastics have become one of the primary contributors to marine plastic pollution, posing significant environmental threats due to their durability and small size, which allow them to integrate into marine ecosystems. This widespread issue calls for urgent attention to develop sustainable alternatives in cosmetic formulations.
Movement to regulate microplastics is accelerating around the world
There is a growing movement to regulate these microplastics, especially in Europe and the United States.
[Within the EU] Unification by REACH regulation
Prohibits the marketing of substances containing 0.01w/w% or more of solid polymer particles with all dimensions from 1nm to 5mm (biodegradable polymers are excluded from the regulation) (scheduled to be adopted in 2021 or 2022)
[USA] Unified by federal law “Microbead Removal Area Act”
Prohibition of manufacturing and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing microbeads plastic beads (enacted in December 2015)
[Japan] Obligation for manufacturers to make efforts, request for self-restraint
Major domestic manufacturers have begun self-imposed restrictions, asking manufacturers to refrain from manufacturing and selling products containing microbeads.
As seen above, there is a noticeable movement mainly in Europe and the United States to ban the sale of products containing microplastics, and each manufacturer is being forced to take action.
PHBV, a biodegradable biomass plastic that decomposes even in the ocean
The biodegradable plastic PHBV that HighChem imports from China is a type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and is a resin that is biodegradable in the ocean. It is biodegraded into carbon dioxide and water by microorganisms in the soil and seawater. In addition, the raw materials are corn and cassava grown in China, and 100% of the raw materials are biomass resin derived from plants. Therefore, PHBV can be said to be an environmentally friendly plastic that meets all the requirements of being made from renewable materials, being biodegradable the ocean, and being non-toxic.
Therefore, even if it becomes a raw material for cosmetics and ends up in the ocean, it can be broken down by the power of microorganisms, and so can help solve the ocean plastic problem without compromising the functionality of cosmetics.
Overview of Nikko Rica Co., Ltd.
Company name: Nikko Rica Co., Ltd.
Location: 10-2 Kanda Toyamacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative Director: Tatsuo Hiwatari
Capital: 297.95 million yen
Business: Manufacture and sales of cosmetic base materials, pharmaceutical base materials, food additives, etc., hydrogenation catalysts, hydrogenation reaction synthesis
Overview of HighChem Company Limited
Company name: HighChem Company Limited
Company name: 11F Tokyo Toranomon Global Square, 1-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Representative Director: Taka Ushio
Capital: 99.8 million yen
Business: Import/export sales and outsourced manufacturing of Chemicals / Technology Licensing related work/catalyst manufacturing and sales, etc.
Media inquiries regarding this release
HighChem Co., Ltd. PR Division – Eriko Kuroiwa
E-mail: kuroiwa@highchem.co.jp Phone: +81-3-5251-8580 / +81-90-6539-4213 (Kuroiwa)