In the joint PLA development and market expansion activities promoted by HighChem Company Limited (Head office: Minato-Minato-ku, Tokyo President and CEO: Ushio Taka Representative Director and President hereinafter HighChem) and Sekisui Kasei Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd. (Head office: Kita-ku, Osaka, President and CEO: Kashiwabara Masato, hereinafter Sekisui Kasei Co., Ltd.), the biodegradable foam "RETONA FOAM BIO" developed by Sekisui Plastics has been adopted for the POP for Sekisui Kasei Co., Ltd. implemented as part of the SDGs activity "well-blooming project*" promoted by the Flower Country Japan Council (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Inoue Hideaki, hereinafter Flower Country). In the future, a demonstration experiment is planned to reuse the foamed PLA collected after the campaign as fertilizer and methane fermentation.
*Well-blooming 10days challenge to be held from October 1st to 10th, 2024
HighChem and Sekisui Kasei Co., Ltd. have cooperated and promoted the development and sales expansion of Biodegradable Materials based on a strategic basic alliance agreement. By collaborating on HighChem 's raw material procurement and development capabilities for Biodegradable Materials in China, Sekisui Kasei Co., Ltd.' PLA foam product "RETONA FOAM BIO" developed using its unique resin modification technology, and by working together on product planning and approaching the flower industry in the country of flowers, we will develop new demand in the PLA field.
By 2030, 50% of raw materials in all products will be eco-friendly
Sekisui Kasei Co., Ltd.' advanced resin modification technology
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.
Providing Total Solutions for biodegradable plastic
HighChem 's ability to procure raw materials during the day and develop markets
HighChem has been one of the first to develop the biodegradable plastic market, including signing a business strategy partnership agreement with BBCA group (BBCA group), the largest PLA manufacturer in China. In addition to PLA, we have established a system to import and sell a total of seven types of biodegradable plastic, including PHBV and P34HB, which are marine degradable resins. In addition to foamed products, we have also announced the next-generation PLA material "HIGHLACT® (HIGHLACT®)" and are working on the development of PLA fibers for apparel.
Future Developments
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. They recognize that a transition to a circular economy is essential to solving global environmental issues. Based on the idea of reducing the use of fossil resources as much as possible and effectively utilizing existing resources to circulate socio-economic activities, they will propose a wide range of solutions, including a circular economy for waste PLA products.
Sekisui Kasei Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd. Overview
Company name: Sekisui Kasei Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Location: 2-4-4 Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka
Pepresentative Director: Masato Kashiwabara
Business: Manufacturing and sales of foam plastic resins, sheets, and molded products, as well as manufacturing and sales of various value-added products
Overview of the Japan Flower Association
Association name: Japan Flower Association
Location: 5F, 1-6-30 Minami-Azabu Minato-ku, Tokyo
Chairman: Hideaki Inoue (Pepresentative Director Park Corporation)
Business: Throughout the year, including "Flower Valentine," we will promote the realization of a Japanese Lifestyle in which flowers and greenery are close at hand through collaboration with the floriculture industry and other industries. This activity, the "well-blooming project," is being rolled out nationwide by the Domestic Flower Demand Expansion Promotion Council, of which our council serves as the secretariat, and is being promoted using the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' FY2024 "Japan Flower Strengthening Project Promotion as part of the Sustainable Production Strengthening Measures Project."
HighChem Co., Ltd. Overview
Company name: HighChem Company Limited
Address: 11th floor, Tokyo Toranomon Global Square, 1-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-Minato-ku, Tokyo
Pepresentative Director: Taka Ushio
Business: Import/ outsourced manufacturing of Chemicals / Technology Licensing related business/catalyst manufacturing and sales/sales of Biodegradable Materials, etc.
[Inquiries from media organizations regarding this release]
HighChem Company Limited Public Relations: Kuroiwa (090-6539-4213) and Chen
TEL: 03-5251-8580 E-mail: koho@highchem.co.jp