HighChem Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Ushio Taka; hereinafter “HighChem”), a global chemical trading and manufacturing company, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Guangyu Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Guangyu Biotechnology”), a biotech company based in China. Under the agreement, HighChem will begin global marketing of Guangyu Biotechnology’s proprietary “Photobioreactor” for microalgae cultivation and its microalgae seedlings, including in Japan. In addition, HighChem will actively promote licensing of this technology and provide technical support.

HighChem has promoted the development and commercialization of innovative decarbonization technologies for manufacturing chemicals from CO₂, based on its proprietary C1-based SEG® technology. The company is also actively engaged in the social implementation of biomass plastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and other biodegradable materials.

This partnership with Guangyu Biotechnology will enable global deployment of its innovative products and high-quality strains, as well as licensing and technical support, thereby maximizing synergies with HighChem’s green chemical projects.

Microalgae are gaining attention not only as primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, but also as next-generation industrial resources. They are expected to serve as raw materials for biofuels, next-generation protein sources, bioplastics, and chemicals, as well as a key solution for achieving carbon neutrality by reducing CO₂ emissions. In this context, the “Photobioreactor,” which enables the mass cultivation of microalgae—once considered difficult—has attracted strong interest from various R&D institutions seeking to utilize microalgae as valuable organic matter.

A photobioreactor is a system that efficiently cultivates microalgae through photosynthesis using light and CO2. Its sealed structure, made of glass or special resin, prevents contamination from external sources and maintains optimal cultivation conditions. These features make it possible to efficiently produce large quantities of microalgae, which was previously difficult to achieve.

Guangyu Biotechnology, which has now entered into a distribution agreement, is a Chinese biotech company founded in 2012. By leveraging China’s advanced supply chain, the company is able to provide high-quality, cost-competitive products. It also employs three R&D teams with 20 researchers and offers comprehensive solutions tailored to customer needs, from selecting and supplying superior strains to optimizing production processes.​ ​ 20​

Company Name: Guangyu Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
Location: Room 401, Life and Health Industrial Park Office Building, Hongqiao Town, Yueqing City, Zhejiang Province, China
Chairman: Ni Liangping
URL:https://www.leadingtec.cn/

HighChem is a chemical trading company and manufacturer. Its trading division handles a wide range of products and technologies, primarily in functional chemicals, as well as in the life sciences field, including pharmaceuticals, food, and agrochemicals, and also cutting-edge electronic materials. In its sustainability-focused manufacturing division, HighChem operates four research laboratories and a catalyst mass-production plant across Japan and China. Leveraging its C1-based SEG® technology—boasting a licensed annual production capacity of 10 million tons—the company is developing and commercializing decarbonization technologies that use CO₂ to manufacture chemicals. In addition, HighChem is actively engaged in the development of biochemical technologies and battery storage systems. Moving forward, the company will continue to expand its global business by offering innovative products, technologies, and services.^​​

Company Name: HighChem Co., Ltd.
Head Office: 11F Tokyo Toranomon Global Square, 1-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
President: Ushio Taka
Business Overview: Import/export and sales of chemical products, contract manufacturing, technology licensing, catalyst production and sales, biodegradable materials sales, etc.

For more information, please contact:
＜HighChem Co., Ltd. Public Relations office＞
Ms. Kuroiwa (+81-90-6539-4213) TEL: +81-3-5251-8580 E-mail: koho@highchem.co.jp