In recent years, land-based aquaculture has attracted growing attention as a next-generation food technology that supports food security and sustainable fisheries. At the same time, ensuring business profitability remains a major challenge due to high capital investment requirements, rising energy costs, and increasing feed prices.
HighChem Company Limited (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President and Representative Director: Yuichi Taka; hereinafter "HighChem"), will exhibit at the Aquaponics & Land-Based Aquaculture Equipment Expo, to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from July 15 (Wed.) to July 17 (Fri.), 2026. Leveraging its expertise in identifying and introducing advanced technologies in the chemical industry, HighChem contributes to solving productivity and environmental challenges faced by Japan’s land-based aquaculture sector through the discovery and deployment of innovative technologies from Japan and abroad.
Under the concept of “Growing the Future of Aquaculture with Light,” HighChem will showcase two light-based solutions for land-based aquaculture: LED lighting systems and Photobioreactors (PBRs). These technologies offer a new approach to improving profitability while reducing environmental impact, from promoting fish growth to enabling resource recycling.
Exhibition Details:
Exhibition Name |
Aquaponics & Land-Based Aquaculture Equipment Expo |
|---|---|
Dates |
July 15 (Wed.) – July 17 (Fri.), 2026 |
Venue & Booth |
Tokyo Big Sight, South Halls 1 & 2 Booth No. B-28 |
Exhibits |
LED Lighting Systems for Land-Based Aquaculture / Photobioreactors Live demonstrations of LED lighting systems and photobioreactors, video presentations of pilot projects in China, and technical consultation services. |
Inquiries |
HighChem Company Limited Sustainability & Innovation Div. C1 Div. E-mail: ml-h01@highchem.co.jp Tel: +81-3-5251-8557 |
Solution 1: LED Lighting Systems for Land-Based Aquaculture
Enhancing Aquaculture Profitability Through Light
HighChem’s LED lighting system for land-based aquaculture is designed not only to reduce energy consumption but also to optimize the light environment and control fish growth.
By creating optimal lighting conditions, the system improves fish weight gain and feed conversion ratios (FCR), helping reduce feed costs, which account for a significant portion of aquaculture operating expenses. In addition, accelerated growth shortens cultivation cycles and improves facility utilization rates. The system also contributes to optimized breeding management, supporting overall profitability in aquaculture operations.
According to manufacturer validation tests, the introduction of these LED lighting systems increased weight gain by approximately 20% in salmon and shrimp farming. In breeding management trials using salmon, ovarian maturity improved by 24% and testicular maturity by 30%, demonstrating significant potential to enhance both productivity and profitability throughout aquaculture operations.
Solution 2: Photobioreactors
Cultivating Microalgae with Light and CO₂ to Increase the Value of Land-Based Aquaculture
Photobioreactors (PBRs) are next-generation systems that efficiently cultivate microalgae using light and CO₂.
In land-based aquaculture, PBRs enable the efficient production of high-quality microalgae for use as aquaculture feed while also absorbing and recycling nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus contained in aquaculture wastewater. This contributes to reduced environmental impact and supports the development of circular aquaculture systems.
In addition, microalgae can be cultivated using CO₂ emitted from factories, boilers, and other industrial facilities, enabling effective carbon utilization and resource recycling. By integrating photobioreactors into land-based aquaculture systems, operators may create opportunities for carbon credit generation, support corporate ESG initiatives, and achieve a balance between environmental and economic value, contributing to sustainable and profitable aquaculture operations.
How HighChem Contributes to Land-Based Aquaculture
Leveraging its expertise in technology scouting and its extensive network in China, HighChem identifies advanced technologies from around the world and introduces them to the Japanese market. The company also develops its own cutting-edge technologies, including catalyst technologies that enable the production of chemical products from CO₂.
The LED lighting systems and photobioreactors featured at this exhibition are examples of these initiatives. Looking ahead, HighChem aims to go beyond equipment supply and expand into comprehensive solutions that include operational systems for land-based aquaculture facilities.
By utilizing the expertise it has cultivated in the fields of chemicals, life sciences, and energy, HighChem will continue creating new value for next-generation food technology sectors, including land-based aquaculture.
About HighChem Corporation
Combining the agility of a trading company with the technological capabilities of a manufacturer, HighChem serves as a bridge connecting the chemical industries of Japan and China. Today, the company has expanded beyond chemicals into the fields of food, life sciences, and next-generation energy, contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.
- Company Name: HighChem Company Limited
- Head Quarters: Tokyo Toranomon Global Square 11F, 1-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
- President and Representative Director: Yuichi Taka
- Business Areas: Chemical trading; technology licensing; catalyst development, manufacturing and contract production; green chemicals; and next-generation energy development.
Media Contact
- HighChem Company Limited Corporate Communications Office
- Contact: Eriko Kuroiwa Mobile: +81-90-6539-4213 Tel: +81-3-5251-8580 E-mail: koho@highchem.co.jp
