News Release
HighChem Partners with Tsinghua University Offshoot Bio-venture Company
Acquires Exclusive Sales Rights for Marine Biodegradable Plastic PHA
HighChem Company Limited, Ltd. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo President and CEO: Ushio Taka Ushio, hereinafter referred to as HighChem) and Beijing PhaBuilder Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Head office: Beijing, China, Chairman: Xu Xianming, hereinafter referred to as PhaBuilder) have signed a sales agency agreement for the Japanese market for products related to PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate), biodegradable plastic manufactured by PhaBuilder that can be decomposed even in the ocean.
Left: HighChem Co., Ltd. Executive Director, Trade Division Head, Jingsong Lin; Right: PhaBuilder Chairman, Xu Xuanming
PHA is a biomass plastic derived from microorganisms, which biodegrades into water and CO2 through microbial activity. This biodegradable plastic decomposes not only in soil and composting conditions but also in marine environments, making it a promising solution to the ocean plastic waste problem.
PhaBuilder: Established with Over 30 Years of PHA Research from Tsinghua University
PhaBuilder, the company HighChem has partnered with, was established in 2021 by Professor Chen Guoqiang of Tsinghua University. Utilizing Tsinghua University's "next-generation biotechnology" system, which has been developed over more than 30 years, the company produces various types of PHA products at low cost. Currently, PhaBuilder offers brands like "PHALife™" and "PHAmily®", focusing on developing new applications by combining different types of PHA. Recently, they have developed a 100% PHA laminate-grade product, allowing for the prototyping of various fully marine biodegradable products when combined with materials such as paper. PhaBuilder is leveraging its development capabilities to create marine biodegradable products in a wide range of applications, including textiles, medical uses, children's toys, and disposable containers.
The company plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities, with plants producing 10,000 tons annually in Beijing's industrial park and Yichang City, Hubei Province, and aims to build 3-5 large-scale plants within five years.
HighChem's Advanced Initiatives in the Sustainable Plastics Field
Since 2019, HighChem has been in a strategic business partnership with the world's largest polylactic acid (PLA) manufacturer, BBCA Group, working to develop the Japanese market for biodegradable and bio-based materials such as PLA. In 2021, HighChem launched its own brand "Highlact®," a new PLA fiber derived from corn. Recently, HighChem has been intensifying its sales activities in Europe and the United States, promoting PLA fibers as alternatives to polyester on a global scale.
Additionally, HighChem is working on the development of CO2-derived fibers, contributing to carbon recycling. Since 2020, HighChem has been involved in a NEDO project to develop paraxylene production using CO2 as a raw material, focusing on catalyst development for this research. For another polyester raw material, ethylene glycol, HighChem is working on the commercialization of green SEG® derived from CO2, based on its SEG® technology.
Through this partnership, HighChem aims to leverage its advanced initiatives in the green plastics field to synergize with PhaBuilder's innovative PHA materials, promoting the global application and development of green plastics and fibers.
About HighChem Company Limited (https://highchem.co.jp/)
HighChem is a Japanese chemical manufacturer with innovative technological capabilities, including the development of sustainable materials. The company is also focusing on the development of decarbonization technology to manufacture Chemicals using CO2, biochemical technology, and next-generation battery technology. In addition, for PLA fiber, which provides an innovative future for the textile industry, the company is leveraging its technological capabilities to expand its business, not only by developing yarn and fabric, but also by starting with upstream material development.
Company name: HighChem Company Limited
Address: 11th floor, Tokyo Toranomon Global Square, 1-3-1 Toranomon Minato-ku, Tokyo
Pepresentative Director: Taka Ushio
Business overview: Import/export sales and outsourced manufacturing of Chemicals / Technology Licensing related business/catalyst manufacturing and sales/ Biodegradable Materials sales, etc.
About PhaBuilder (https://eng.phabuilder.com/)
Company name: Beijing Microstructure Factory Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (English name: PhaBuilder)
Address: No. 7, Ying Road, Zhaofeng Industrial Base Garden, Zhao Quaanying Town, Shunyi District, Beijing
Chairman: Xu Xianming
For further inquiries, please contact:
HighChem Co., Ltd. Public Relations
Contact: Ms. Kuroiwa (090-6539-4213) TEL: 03-5251-8580 E-mail: koho@highchem.co.jp