#Japan #Tokyo #Sumitomo Forestry #Bioethanol #Morisora Project

Sumitomo Forestry Partners with Morisora Project

In a significant move towards sustainable energy, Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd., led by President Toshirō Mitsuyoshi, has officially partnered with Morisora Biorefinery LLC. This collaboration aims to produce and promote bioethanol sourced from domestic timber. The agreement was signed on the 30th and marks an important step in the efforts to increase the use of sustainable materials in energy production.

Collaboration Details

The production of bioethanol from domestic timber relies heavily on the stable supply of raw materials, specifically wood chips. As part of the Morisora Project, Sumitomo Forestry will assist in sourcing a portion of the domestic timber needed for bioethanol production. By utilizing locally sourced wood, the project aims to minimize greenhouse gas emissions that typically occur during procurement and transportation processes, while also promoting cascading use of timber.

The Morisora Project leverages cutting-edge technology developed by Green Earth Institute Co., Ltd. to advance the manufacturing of low-carbon bioethanol derived from domestic wood. As the project pursues CORSIA certification for domestic timber, Sumitomo Forestry will support this initiative by ensuring a steady supply of the necessary raw materials.

Understanding the Morisora Project

Established in February 2023, the Morisora Project was initiated by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation, and Green Earth Institute. It operates under the slogan "Turning the Power of Forests into Flight Power." Plans are in place for Japan Airlines and Airbus to join the initiative by March 2025, enhancing the framework for bioethanol production, which will serve as a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feedstock. Additionally, the founding companies intend to establish the Morisora Biorefinery LLC in July 2025, focusing on the manufacturing of this key bioethanol.

With Sumitomo Forestry's recent entry into the Morisora Project, the goal is to ensure a consistent supply of domestic timber, which is pivotal for producing bioethanol. The initiative seeks not only to encourage the use of domestic timber in energy production but also to contribute to building a decarbonized society through resource recycling, while invigorating local economies and promoting a sustainable future.

Background of Sumitomo Forestry

Sumitomo Forestry is engaged in a broad range of activities centered around wood, spanning from forest management, timber manufacturing and distribution, to the construction and development of wooden houses and large-scale wooden structures. The company also champions biomass power generation and is advancing its biorefinery business. In November 2023, Sumitomo Forestry entered a capital and business alliance with Green Earth Institute, focusing on researching and developing biochemicals derived from wood biomass. As of January 2024, a new department dedicated to advancing biorefinery technologies and business models was established.

With a shared vision for promoting biorefineries that utilize domestic timber, Sumitomo Forestry and Morisora Biorefinery LLC have come together to sign the basic agreement, fostering collaboration toward achieving a sustainable decarbonized society.

Conclusion

This partnership between Sumitomo Forestry and the Morisora Project not only signifies a leap towards renewable energy but also showcases a dedicated commitment to sustainability and innovation in the wood industry. The focus on domestic materials is a vital aspect of reducing carbon footprints and fostering community enhancement through environmentally respectful practices.

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Company Overview

• - Company Name: Morisora Biorefinery LLC
• - Headquarters: 4-6 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Representative: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.
• - Established: July 25, 2025
• - Business Overview: Manufacturing and sales of bioethanol and biochemical products from wood biomass.