News Release
HighChem to Launch Second Research Hub in the Nation, Focused on Advancing Applications of Biodegradable Resins
HighChem Company Limited (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Ushio Taka hereinafter referred to as HighChem) has announced that it will fully commence operations at its new research facility, "HighChem Tokyo Research Center Material Research office," located in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, starting September 12. This marks the establishment of the company's second research base in Japan, which will specialize in material science. This strategic investment aims to accelerate technological innovation and meet the needs of the industry.
Material Research Office will primarily develop biodegradable resin compounds, performance improvements, and applications. The same location will also focus on a joint development project aimed at mass production of high molecular weight polylactic acid (PLA) with Ricoh Company, Ltd. (Below, "Ricoh"), with which we have signed a basic agreement.
HighChem is strengthening its handling of various Biodegradable Materials from China, including signing a business strategic partnership agreement with China's largest PLA manufacturer in August 2020. Biodegradable Materials are environmentally 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, HighChem is conducting synthesis, modification, and applied research on Biodegradable Materials. With the recent opening of a Material Research Office, we will further strengthen our capabilities and focus on improving the functionality of Biodegradable Materials.
Accelerating joint development of High molecular weight PLA with Ricoh!
HighChem is collaborating with Ricoh on joint development aimed at mass production of High molecular PLA. High molecular PLA is a manufacturing technology established by Ricoh using the plasticization polymerization method using supercritical carbon dioxide that Ricoh has cultivated over the years. It is PLA with an average molecular weight of 300,000 or more, which cannot be achieved with conventional PLA resin. It is expected that it will be developed and expanded into new applications such as engineering plastics with high heat resistance and strength, which were not previously available. Positioning the Material Research Office as an important base for considering mass production of High molecular PLA, we will further strengthen our collaboration with Ricoh and focus even more on joint development for mass production.
HighChem Tokyo Research Center Material Research Office Overview
Name: HighChem Tokyo Research Center Material Research Branch Office
Address: 2-35 Kashiwa Inter Minami, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture
Total floor area: 608㎡
Structural scale: 2-story steel frame building
Number of researchers: 10
(Reference) HighChem Tokyo Research Center Overview
Name: HighChem Tokyo Research Center
Address: 9-3 Kashiwa Inter Minami, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture
Total floor area: 1663㎡
Structural scale: 3-story steel frame building
Completion date: May 31, 2021
Number of researchers: 32 (including Material Research Branch Office)
The main research theme of HighChem Tokyo Research Center is the improvement of catalysts and manufacturing processes required for C1 Chemicals (synthesis of multiple chemical products from a single carbon atom, such as CO and CO2). We are working on improving the performance and cost reduction of catalysts used in SEG® technology *, which we have focused on since 2009, as well as developing catalysts for producing C1 Chemicals derivatives such as ethanol and higher alcohols.
* SEG® technology: A technology that uses synthetic gas as a raw material to produce non-petroleum-derived ethylene glycol (a raw material for manufacturing polyester, 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)