News Release

HighChem Company Limited (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo President and CEO: Ushio Taka, hereinafter referred to as HighChem)  is expanding its biodegradable plastics operations and has entered into a strategic alliance with Takihyo Co., Ltd. (Headquartered in Nishi Ward, Nagoya; President and Executive Officer: Kazuo Taki, hereinafter referred to as Takihyo). This partnership, effective from January 1st, is aimed at boosting domestic and international sales and product development of HighChem's next-generation PLA (Polylactic Acid) material, 'HIGHLACT®', specifically for textile applications.

Founded in 1751 Takihyo is one of the oldest textile trading companies in the Chukyo area. Takihyo has strong connections with apparel companies in Japan and overseas, and are also focusing on sustainable initiatives. In addition, HighChem has been quick to develop the Japanese market for biodegradable plastics, including signing a business strategic partnership agreement with BBCA group, China's largest PLA (polylactic acid) manufacturer. Furthermore, in December of last year, we announced the next generation PLA (polylactic acid) material, HIGHLACT®, and are improving the quality of biodegradable fibers through integrated production management from resin raw materials to fabrics.

This partnership between the two companies will take full advantage of each other's know-how and technology in their respective fields of expertise, and will expand the business into a wide range of fields including apparel, accessories, sportswear, innerwear, workwear, and household goods, both domestically and internationally.

Worldwide, the production of polyester, a material constituting about 60% of all fabric materials, stands at approximately 57 million tons. Polyester is favored for its durability, quick-drying properties, wrinkle resistance, and affordability, making it a widespread choice in the textile industry. However, its primary raw material is petroleum, which means its production and disposal processes emit significant amounts of CO2 during combustion. Moreover, similar to conventional plastics, polyester is durable and long-lasting, which leads to environmental challenges. When disposed of in landfills or released into natural environments, it does not decompose for hundreds of years, posing serious long-term ecological issues.

At HighChem, we have overcome issues such as cost, strength, and heat resistance with this natural synthetic fiber, PLA (polylactic acid) fiber. Contributing to the realization of sustainable fashion by replacing 20% of polyester distributed in Japan with PLA (polylactic acid) fibers​

1. Provide biodegradable plastics Total Solutions
HighChem has been at the forefront of developing the biodegradable plastics market, notably through a strategic business partnership with BBCA Group, the largest PLA (Polylactic Acid) producer in China. This partnership is part of HighChem's broader initiative to pioneer the use of sustainable materials. Beyond PLA, HighChem has established an infrastructure for importing and selling a total of seven types of biodegradable plastics, including PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) and PHBV (Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), which are known for their ocean biodegradability. In addition, HighChem is expanding its applications of these materials as alternatives to disposable plastics, enhancing their use in products such as cutlery and food trays. This expansion not only diversifies HighChem's product offerings but also contributes to reducing environmental impact, aligning with global sustainability goals.

2. We provide one-stop biodegradable plastic materials from clothes to hangers!
On December 1, 2021, HighChem announced the next-generation PLA (polylactic acid) material "HIGHLACT®" realized by the outstanding traditional Weaving and dyeing techniques of CHEMTEX (CHEMICAL= HighChem in the chemical field × TEXTILE=Japanese techniques cultivated over the years). In addition, in November, we agreed to jointly develop High molecular PLA * with Ricoh Co., Ltd., and have begun development to improve the quality of HIGHLACT® and other products. In addition, on February 1, 2022, we partnered with Japan Co-Pak Co., Ltd. to build a system that can provide the apparel market with not only clothes but also biodegradable plastic hangers, clothing covers, shopping bags, and other auxiliary materials.
* High molecular weight PLA: polylactic acid with an average molecular weight of 300,000 or more by weight

Takihyo Inc. Summary
Company name: Takihyo Inc.
Location: 23rd and 24th floors, Nagoya Lucent Tower, 6-1 Ushijima-cho, Nishi-ku, Nagoya City
Representative Director Kazuo Taki
Business Planning, production, wholesale and import/export of textile products / retail of apparel products / sales and import/export of cosmetics / food and beverage related business, etc.

HighChem Company Limited summary
Company Name: HighChem Company Limited
Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo 3-1, Toranomon 1-chome, Tokyo Toranomon Global Square 11F
Representative Director Taka Ushio
Business： Export/import and sales of Chemicals / outsourced manufacturing / Technology Licensing related business / manufacture and sales of catalysts / Biodegradable Materials import 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)