#Japan #Minato #Highchem #Sarawak Petchem #Green Ethylene

Highchem's Commitment to Sustainable Development in Malaysia

Recently, Highchem Co., Ltd., a renowned chemical trading company and manufacturer based in Minato, Tokyo, has made significant strides in sustainable development by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Malaysian government-owned Sarawak Petchem Sdn. Bhd. The agreement was formalized on May 9, 2025, and was highlighted during the Hydrogen Economy Forum held on May 13 in Sarawak, where both parties exchanged the memorandum in the presence of the state government. This partnership focuses on the construction of a plant that will utilize Highchem's SEG® technology to produce ethylene glycol from syngas in the petrochemical industrial area of Bintulu, Sarawak.

Objectives of the Collaboration

The primary aim of this MOU is to leverage Highchem's innovative SEG® technology, which converts syngas into ethylene glycol. Initially, the plant will use natural gas-based syngas as its raw material for production. However, as renewable energy solutions develop in Malaysia, the plant aims to transition towards using green hydrogen produced from renewable sources and CO2 sourced from biomass, ultimately targeting the production of 'green ethylene glycol.' This progressive initiative is anticipated to propel Sarawak’s sustainable goals while advancing global implementation of Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies promoted by Highchem.

Sarawak's Rich Natural Resources and Sustainable Goals

Sarawak, located on the island of Borneo, boasts the highest natural gas production in Malaysia, along with robust hydroelectric resources harnessing approximately 3.5GW of power. The state has established a gas roadmap to strategically attract global investments in downstream industries. This has increased interest from high-tech companies, including those from Japan. A notable example is Sarawak Petchem's establishment of a design with an annual capacity of 1.75 million tons of methanol, highlighting active investments in downstream product production within the region. Additionally, efforts such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) development and green hydrogen production from abundant hydro resources are part of Sarawak's move towards sustainable practices.

Highchem's Innovative Approach to Green Ethylene Glycol

Highchem has been at the forefront of developing and commercializing technologies that produce ethylene glycol from CO2, particularly through its C1 technology. The company has focused on the production of 'green ethylene glycol' by harnessing its proprietary SEG® technology. This initiative not only aims to produce ethylene glycol from syngas but also to reinforce sustainability in the chemical manufacturing sector. Highchem has successfully signed 23 licensing agreements centered around SEG® technology, primarily in China, with a combined production capacity of 10 million tons annually.

Equipped with strong marketing capabilities and reliable production processes, Highchem continues to advance its catalysts supply, ensuring essential commercial competitiveness and stability in production. This robustness complements their overarching goal of promoting the global social implementation of green chemical technologies.

About Highchem Co., Ltd.

Highchem Co., Ltd. operates as both a chemical trading company and a manufacturer, specializing in the import and export of a wide array of products spanning from lifesaving pharmaceuticals to cutting-edge electronics. The company also focuses on sustainability through its manufacturing arm, maintaining four research facilities and a catalyst production factory in Japan and China. With SEG® technology as its foundation for carbon-neutral operations, Highchem is heavily invested in the development and commercialization of decarbonization technologies, biochemistry, and energy storage systems. The company is committed to expanding its global reach through innovative products and services, positioning itself as a leader in the sustainable chemical landscape.