#Japan #Zeon Corporation #Yonezawa #Yokohama Rubber #biomass technology

Zeon Corporation Opens New Research Facility in Yonezawa

In a significant move towards sustainability, Zeon Corporation has announced the establishment of a new research facility dedicated to the development of biomass-derived raw materials. Located within the premises of Zeon Chemicals Yonezawa Co., Ltd. in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, this facility will focus on innovative processes for producing essential synthetic rubber components, such as butadiene and isoprene, directly from plant materials.

Embracing a Circular Economy

This new facility complements Zeon's Medium-Term Management Plan known as STAGE30, aimed at promoting a transition to manufacturing processes that support both carbon neutrality and a circular economy. By 2030, Zeon aims to reduce the total CO2 emissions across its entire group by 42% compared to the levels recorded in 2020. The new research building is designed to enhance process development for chemical reactions and biological fermentation, with a primary focus on ingredient conversion.

A Boost to Research and Development

The initiative is part of a broader project named “Development of Manufacturing Technologies for Synthetic Rubber Core Chemicals with Carbon Resource Circularity,” a collaboration between Zeon and Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. The project has received support from the National Research and Development Agency, which has committed resources to advance the manufacturing techniques for plastics using CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Zeon intends to commercialize its bioengineering capabilities to directly produce butadiene and isoprene from plant materials by 2034, building on this new foundational research capability.

Facility Overview

1. Building Size: The research building will cover a total floor area of 590.34 square meters across two floors.
2. Location: The new facility will be located at 3-446-13 Yahatahara, Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture.
3. Completion Date: The facility is expected to be completed by May 23, 2025.
4. Main Facilities: It will house laboratories, offices, and meeting rooms, providing a comprehensive space for research and innovation.

Supporting Green Innovation

The establishment of this facility is further supported by the Yamagata Prefecture's Corporate Location Promotion Subsidy, which has partially funded the construction costs. This initiative aligns with the Japanese government's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 by promoting structural transformation in the energy and industrial sectors. The Green Innovation Fund Project aims to foster bold investments in innovative solutions addressing these environmental challenges, ensuring a continuous support system for companies committed to sustainability.

Zeon Corporation and Yokohama Rubber are collaborating on two main themes associated with the Green Innovation Fund, focusing on developing bio-butadiene and isoprene derived from plant materials. Through strategic partnerships with institutions like the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and Tokyo University of Science, Zeon is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing in chemical production.

In conclusion, Zeon Corporation's new research facility is a significant step forward in their commitment to sustainable practices and technological innovation, paving the way for a greener future in the chemical industry.