#Japan #Tokyo #Bioplastics #Bioethanol #iPEACE223

A Vision for a World Without Oil

In today's society, where plastic is ubiquitous, the idea of producing this essential material without relying on fossil fuels may seem like a dream. However, iPEACE223 Inc., based in Chuo, Tokyo, is on a mission to make this dream a reality. On April 1, the company joined the April Dream project to share its ambitious vision.

Transforming Plastic Production

The core dream of iPEACE223 is to develop technologies that create plastics using renewable resources, specifically bioethanol derived from sugarcane, rather than the traditional petroleum sources. This approach not only aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also seeks to address the significant carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with the current plastic production process.

The Current Reality

Conventional plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene are derived from naptha, which is obtained from crude oil. The production chain—from raw material extraction to chemical manufacturing and product disposal—results in significant CO₂ emissions. In order to achieve carbon neutrality, it's crucial to rethink and restructure the entire raw material framework.

iPEACE223's Innovative Approach

Founded in 2023, iPEACE223 is a start-up focused on developing processes for producing bioethylene and biopropylene from bioethanol. The advantages of this new approach include:

• - Over 80% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to petroleum-based products.
• - Innovation that allows for the replacement of existing naphtha crackers.

With over 100 million tons of bioethanol produced globally each year, mainly used as a gasoline additive, iPEACE223 is working to commercialize this solution and eventually lower production costs to compete with petroleum-based chemicals. If successful, the transition from fossil resources to bio-based raw materials can occur rapidly.

New Opportunities in Agriculture

Currently, the primary feedstocks for bioethanol like corn and sugarcane compete with food resources, which restricts cost reduction in bioethanol production. iPEACE223 challenges this notion by asking, "Is it necessary for the raw materials to be food crops?" The company looks to develop high-yield, fast-growing energy crops that are not suitable for human consumption, utilizing metabolic engineering and gene editing.

Japan possesses vast areas of underutilized land due to the decline of agriculture. By combining plant factory cultivation, robotics, and AI, it's possible to create a new domestic industry for ethanol production. This innovation could lead to a self-sustainable energy source derived from previously untapped resources.

The Founder's Vision: “Burnable” Plastic

Recycling conventional plastics has its limits. As long as plastics are made from fossil fuels, the fundamental CO₂ emission issues remain unsolved. However, bio-based plastics can exist within the carbon cycle, meaning they could be considered "burnable" with minimal environmental impact. Moreover, biopropylene can be converted into bio-propane for use as a low-emission fuel alternative, unveiling possibilities such as developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The company's ultimate aim is to establish a "21st-century biomass artificial photosynthesis system", paving the way for a new energy and chemical industry that could serve as a model for global practices starting from Japan.

April Dream is more than just a joke on April Fool's Day; it's an initiative by PR TIMES that encourages companies to share pragmatic dreams they wish to achieve.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: iPEACE223 Inc.
• - Research and Development Location: 4259 Nagatsuda-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, inside the Suzukakedai Campus, Tokyo University of Science, Room R2B 206.
• - Established: August 1, 2023
• - CEO: Toru Setoyama
• - Business Description: Development of catalytic processes for producing propylene (chemical raw material) and propane (fuel) from bioethanol, including plant process design.
• - Website: iPEACE223