#Japan #Tokyo #LED #PBR #Highchem

Highchem's Proposal for Enhanced Aquaculture Profitability

In recent years, land-based aquaculture has become a focal point for securing food resources and supporting a sustainable fisheries industry, especially as food technologies evolve. However, challenges such as soaring investment costs, energy expenses, and feed prices pose significant threats to the profitability of such enterprises.

Highchem Corporation, based in Minato, Tokyo, is set to participate in the upcoming Aquaponics Exhibition for Land-Based Aquaculture, which will take place from July 15th to July 17th, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight. By leveraging their technical expertise gained in the chemical sector, Highchem aims to identify and integrate advanced technologies from both domestic and international sources, thereby addressing the productivity and environmental challenges faced by Japan's land-based aquaculture sector.

Introducing Next-Gen Aquaculture Solutions

At the exhibition, Highchem will present two innovative solutions under the theme "Growing with Light: The Next-Generation Aquaculture Solution” — a specialized LED lighting system and a Photobioreactor (PBR) designed specifically for land-based aquaculture.

Solution 1: LED Lighting for Aquaculture

The LED system proposed by Highchem optimizes the light environment to promote fish growth while also being energy-efficient. This dedicated aquaculture lighting system enhances fish growth rates and improves feed conversion ratios (FCR), directly contributing to the reduction of feed costs, which typically represent a major portion of aquaculture expenses. Additionally, the system shortens the cultivation period, thereby improving equipment turnover rates and enhancing overall profitability in aquaculture operations.

In trials conducted by manufacturers, the use of Highchem's LED lighting has led to a remarkable approximately 20% improvement in growth rates for salmon and shrimp. In terms of breeding management, trials with salmon have shown a 24% increase in ovary maturity and a 30% increase in testes maturity, leading to overall improvements in productivity and profitability within aquaculture ventures.

Solution 2: Photobioreactor for Algal Cultivation

The Photobioreactor (PBR) employs both light and CO₂ to cultivate microalgae efficiently. This cutting-edge system plays a crucial role in land-based aquaculture by fostering high-quality feed while recycling nutrients in aquaculture wastewater, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, thereby lowering environmental impacts and fostering a circular aquaculture system.

Furthermore, by utilizing CO₂ emitted from industries such as factories and boilers, this system enhances the resource utilization of CO₂. Integrating a photobioreactor into land-based aquaculture setups could potentially lead to the creation of carbon credits, contributing to corporate ESG initiatives and helping balance environmental and economic values for sustainable and profitable aquaculture operations.

Highchem's Commitment to Transforming Aquaculture

Highchem’s commitment includes harnessing their technology exploration capabilities and international networks to source advanced technologies for the Japanese market. They also invest in self-development of cutting-edge technologies such as catalysts for CO₂-derived production. Both the LED lighting system and the photobioreactor exemplify these efforts as Highchem continues to advance the land-based aquaculture industry.

Looking ahead, Highchem envisions moving beyond equipment provision to propose comprehensive solutions that include operational systems for land-based aquaculture facilities. The knowledge gained from the fields of chemistry, life sciences, and energy will continue to contribute to innovative values across next-generation food technologies, including land-based aquaculture.

About Highchem Corporation

As a bridge connecting the chemical industry in Japan and China, Highchem combines the agility of a trading company with the technical expertise of a manufacturer. Currently, they have expanded beyond chemicals into the realms of food, life sciences, and next-generation energy sectors to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Company Name: Highchem Corporation
Headquarters: 1-3-1 Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo, 11th Floor, Tokyo Toranomon Global Square
CEO: Yuichi Takahashi
Business Overview: Trade business, licensing, catalyst development, production, and commissioned projects; green chemicals and next-generation energy developments.