News Release

HighChem Company Limited (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo President and CEO: Ushio Taka hereinafter referred to as HighChem), NISSEI PLASTIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.  (Head Office: Hanishina-gun, Nagano Prefecture Representative Director and President: Hozumi Yoda, hereinafter referred to as Nissei Plastics), Sekisui Kasei Co., Ltd.  (Head Office: Kita-ku, Osaka, Representative Director and President: Masato Kashiwabara; hereinafter referred to as Sekisui Kasei) has recently announced that We have developed a new technology in the field of injection blow molding (IBM) molded products for PLA (polylactic acid, hereinafter referred to as PLA).

Sekisui Kasei and HighChem have been collaborating and promoting the development and sales expansion of Biodegradable Materials based on a basic strategic alliance agreement. Through a collaboration with Nissei Plastics, a leading manufacturer and seller of injection molding machines, a new Injection Blow Molding (IBM) technology for PLA, previously considered difficult to manufacture, has been developed. This collaboration combines Sekisui Chemical's resin modification technology and development capabilities for recycled products, HighChem's procurement and market development strengths for biodegradable materials in China, with Nissei Plastic's injection molding machine and mold technologies, and injection blow molding technology. Together, we aim to explore new market opportunities in the PLA sector.

Since its founding in 1947, Nissei Plastics has specialized in the field of Injection Molding, and has continued to research and develop Injection Molding machines and technology with the motto of "narrow, deep, and wide." Furthermore, since the early 1990s, we have been ahead of the industry in commercializing biodegradable resin molding technology and waste plastic recycling technology, aiming to balance the convenience of plastic with environmental friendliness. Recently, we have been focusing on PLA, and are actively working to realize a decarbonized and resource recycling society, such as the development of technology for its use in heat-resistant and thin-walled transparent applications, and composite materials with wood powder.

Sekisui Kasei provides high value-added products and services by fusing various cutting-edge technologies based on the world-class foaming, polymerization, and resin modification technologies that we have cultivated since our founding. In response to global environmental issues such as climate change and ocean plastic issues, we have set a goal of replacing at least 50% of the raw materials used in all products with recycled materials, biodegradable plastics, or biomass-derived plastics by 2030. We are accelerating the development of new environmentally friendly materials.

HighChem has been one of the first to develop the market for biodegradable plastic, including signing a business strategic partnership agreement with BBCA group, China's largest PLA manufacturer. In addition to PLA, we have also built a system to import and sell a total of seven types of biodegradable plastic, including polybutylene adipate/terephthalate (PBAT) and marine degradable resin called PHBV. In December 2021, we released a new PLA fiber brand called “HIGHLACT®” and are advancing the market development of PLA fiber globally.

Demonstration at the Nissei booth

Currently, there is a need to address global environmental issues such as climate change and marine debris issues through corporate activities, and the three companies are particularly engaged in the development and market expansion of PLA materials and usage technologies. We are working to create new value and proposing solutions to help realize a sustainable society. As an example of its practical application, IBM's bottle molding was demonstrated at the Nisse Plastics' exhibition booth at the International Plastics and Rubber Industry Exhibition K2022 held in Dusseldorf, Germany last October.

IBM, which was demonstrated this time, is an innovative technology that allows bottle products to be molded in one process using a general-purpose Injection Molding machine and an IBM-specific mold, rather than using a specialized blow molding machine that is often used for bottle molding. Using a molding method, we used blow-grade PLA material jointly developed by three companies. What's more, we also attached a PLA label to the bottle using in-mold labeling, making it possible to demonstrate 100% of the PLA molding.

After PLA bottles are disposed of in compost, they decompose into water and carbon dioxide, allowing them to be used as a material that reduces environmental impact.

PLA bottle

The three companies are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create products that contribute to the environment in order to realize a sustainable society. We recognize that transitioning to a circular economy is essential to solving global environmental issues. We will propose a wide range of solutions based on the idea of reducing the amount of natural resources used as much as possible, making effective use of existing resources, and recycling socio-economic activities.

Nisse Plastics Company Overview
Company name: NISSEI PLASTIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
Location: 2110 Nanjo, Sakaki-machi, Hanishina-gun, Nagano, Japan
Representative Director: Hozumi Yoda
Business: Injection Molding Development, manufacture, sales, etc. of machines, molds, automatic molding systems, measuring instruments, etc.

Sekisui Kasei Company Overview
Company name: Sekisui Kasei Co., Ltd.
Location: 2-4-4 Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka City
Representative Director: Masato Kashiwabara
Development, manufacturing, and sales of injection molding machines, molds, molding automation systems, measuring equipment, etc.

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

Media inquiries regarding this release
HighChem Co., Ltd. PR Division – Kuroiwa (+81-90-6539-4213), Chen
E-mail: koho@highchem.co.jp Phone: +81-3-5251-8580