News Release
HighChem Begins Handling PLA Polyols: Serving Diverse Green Plastic Needs from Car Seats to Vegan Leather
HighChem Company Limited (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo President and CEO: Ushio Taka, hereinafter referred as HighChem) is pleased to announce the commencement of its handling of PLA polyols, a raw material for polyurethanes that is biodegradable and suitable for a wide range of applications from car seats and paints to vegan leather. This initiative marks a significant step in HighChem's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the chemical industry.
Can be used for a wide range of purposes, from car seats to vegan leather!
Polyurethane is a polymer made by reacting polyols with isocyanate compounds, and is mainly used in car seats, sofas, pillow cushioning, etc. In addition, by changing the formulation and molding method, various other results can be create and it can be used in foams, rubber, paints, adhesives, etc. In addition, in textile applications, it can be used as an elastic material called spandex, which is used in swimwear and underwear. It can also be used for certain fibers and synthetic leather (shoes, bags, etc.), and can be used for a variety of purposes in a variety of industries.
The PLA polyol is manufactured by polymerizing bio-derived compounds into PLA (polylactic acid), which is made from corn. Therefore, even when incinerated, it does not increase carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (carbon neutral), so it has a lower environmental impact than fossil-based one. It also has the ability to decompose into water and carbon dioxide under certain conditions (biodegradable), so it can contribute to reducing the environmental impact.
polylactic acid polyol
HighChem Enables Commercial Supply of Plant-Based Polyols Through Partnership with China's Largest PLA Manufacturer
In 2020, HighChem entered into a strategic business partnership with Anhui Fuyuan Group Co., Ltd. (Headquartered in Bengbu, Anhui Province, China, hereafter referred to as BBCA Group), to explore the Japanese market for biodegradable plastics, including PLA (Polylactic Acid). Since initiating production with a capacity of 50,000 tons per year in August 2020, BBCA Group began trial operations of an additional 50,000 tons per year facility in December 2021. Moreover, they plan to further expand their capacity by 300,000 tons within the 2022 fiscal year. Once all facilities are operational, BBCA Group will become the world's largest manufacturer of PLA.
Recently, BBCA group has succeeded in developing biodegradable PLA polyol by adding a bio-derived compound to PLA (polylactic acid). The company started trial production at a 3,000 ton/year plant last year, and a 100,000 ton/year plant is scheduled to start operation in August 2022, enabling a stable supply on a commercial basis in the future.
Based on our partnership with BBCA group, HighChem will focus on developing the market for not only PLA (polylactic acid) but also PLA polyol, and will strive to further popularize biodegradable plastics in Japan.
HighChem Company Limited Overview
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)