News Release

September 13, 2023Press Press ReleaseTrading Business

HighChem Signs Sales Agency Contract with ε-Caprolactone Supplier for Expanded Production
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HighChem Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Ushio Taka) has entered into a sales agency agreement with Hunan Juren Chemical Hitechnology Co.,Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Juren Chemical) for the distribution of ε-Caprolactone and its derivatives, PCL polyol (polycaprolactone polyol), and PCL (Polycaprolactone), the marine biodegradable plastic, within Japan. Sales are set to begin this fall.

Stable supply is now possible through partnership with a manufacturer that supplies ε-Caprolactone whose production volume is expanding!

"ε-Caprolactone" is a monomer that is applied to a wide range of industrial fields, such as improving the functionality of various polymers and biodegradable resins. Juren Chemical has been conducting research and development in-house, and had an annual production of 5,000 tons. In July of this year, Juren Chemical established a stable production system by developing their own technology that is safer than conventional manufacturing methods, and their annual production capacity has expanded to 55,000 tons. This will enable a stable supply of ε-Caprolactone.

Until now, ε-Caprolactone has been produced in limited quantities, which has limited its application fields. With the recent expansion of production by Juren Chemical, we can expect to invigorate applied research on its polymers, such as PCL (Polycaprolactone), which will enable development into a variety of applications.

Jujin Kako's 50,000 tons/ a year ε-Caprolactone plant

Marine biodegradable plastic: PCL (Polycaprolactone)

PCL (Polycaprolactone) is a fossil-derived chemically synthesized biodegradable plastic obtained by synthesizing ε-Caprolactone. It is highly biocompatible and decomposes into water and carbon dioxide when exposed to heat, moisture, and microorganisms. Biodegradable plastic are attracting attention these days due to their high degradability in natural environments such as the ocean. It has been put to practical use in plastics, films, and fibers, and multi-films, etc.

Polyurethane material: PCL polyol (polycaprolactone polyol)

It is a type of polyol used in the manufacture of polyurethane. Compared to other types of polyols, it excels in wear resistance, heat resistance, and low-temperature characteristics, and can synthesize well-balanced polyurethane.


As a bridge between Japan and China, HighChem not only proposes cost-effective products, but also builds a system where you can use Chinese products with peace of mind by selecting reliable manufacturers and having a thorough quality control system. In addition to functional Chemicals and general-purpose Chemicals, we respond courteously and quickly to fields such as the recent shortage of semiconductor materials and the rapidly developing battery materials, allowing us to meet all of our customers' needs.

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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)