TOKYO, ［January 5, 2025］ - HighChem Co., Ltd., a leading chemical technology company, today announced the acquisition of breakthrough manufacturing technology for high molecular weight PLA (polylactic acid) from Ricoh Company, Ltd., marking a significant advancement in sustainable materials development. HighChem Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Mr. Taka Ushio) and Ricoh Company, Ltd. (Headquarters: Ota-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Mr. Akira Oyama) have finalized an agreement for the transfer of intellectual property rights for Ricoh's innovative high molecular weight PLA technology to HighChem.
Building on our joint development efforts since 2021, which focused on mass-production techniques using supercritical carbon dioxide, HighChem will now accelerate technology development and expand global licensing activities. "This acquisition represents a significant milestone in advancing sustainable materials technology," said Mr. Taka Ushio, President and CEO of HighChem. "By combining Ricoh's innovative PLA technology with our global reach, we're positioned to make a substantial impact in the biodegradable materials market."
High Molecular Weight PLA Technology
The acquired technology focuses on producing PLA with weight-average molecular weight exceeding 300,000, addressing traditional limitations of biodegradable plastics. While conventional PLA offers environmental benefits through biodegradability, its lower molecular weight and simple chemical structure have historically resulted in reduced strength and heat resistance compared to fossil-based plastics. Ricoh's breakthrough plasticization polymerization method, utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide, overcomes these limitations.
HighChem's Leadership in Biodegradable Materials
HighChem has established itself as a pioneer in the biodegradable materials sector, securing a strategic partnership with China's largest PLA manufacturer, Anhui Fengyuan Group Co., Ltd. The company currently distributes seven types of biodegradable materials, including PLA, PBAT, and marine biodegradable PHA resins, among others. In December 2021, HighChem launched HIGHLACT®, its next-generation PLA material, extending applications into the apparel sector through innovative fiber development.
Global Licensing Expertise
HighChem's licensing program combines deep technical expertise in Japanese and Chinese chemical markets with advanced research and manufacturing capabilities. The company's SEG® (Syngas to Ethylene Glycol) technology has achieved remarkable success, with 23 licensing agreements and approximately 10 million tons per year production capacity. HighChem operates a catalyst manufacturing facility in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China, supported by research centers in both Japan and China.
About Ricoh Company, Ltd.
Ricoh Company, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a global technology leader specializing in office services, printing systems, commercial printing, industrial products, and digital cameras. The company continues to drive innovation in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.
About HighChem
HighChem, a company with both chemical trading and manufacturing capabilities, has various products and technologies ranging from life science fields such as pharmaceuticals, food, and agrochemicals to cutting-edge electronic materials. The Sustainability & Innovation Division, which represents its manufacturing function, has four research centers and one catalyst factory in Japan and China, and develops and commercializes decarbonization technologies which use CO2 as feedstock to produce chemicals. Meanwhile, HighChem C1-based SEG®, has already achieved a big success with a total capacity of more than 10 million tons per year. HighChem is also committed to developing biochemical technologies and next-generation battery technologies and globalizing its business, offering more innovative products, technologies, and services.
Company Name: HighChem Co., Ltd. (https://highchem.co.jp/)
Location: 11th Floor, Tokyo Toranomon Global Square, 1-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
President: Taka Ushio
Business Overview: Import/export and sales of chemicals, contract manufacturing, technology licensing-related operations, catalyst manufacturing and sales, biodegradable materials sales, etc.
[Related article] HighChem and Ricoh begin joint development of mass production High molecular weight PLA ://highchem.co.jp/topics/220124/
Related Products
For more information, please contact:
＜HighChem Co., Ltd. Public Relations Office ＞
Contact: Ms. Kuroiwa (+81-90-6539-4213) TEL: +81-3-5251-8580 E-mail: koho@highchem.co.jp