Chitose Group has launched a new project called "PET-MATSURI" that aims to produce 100% bio-PET resin using microalgae as a raw material. This project is the world's first attempt to bio-produce PET resin, which has been considered technically difficult until now. "PET-MATSURI" is implemented as a subproject of the "MATSURI" project to build an algae industry, and more than 20 of the approximately 100 MATSURI partner companies have already expressed their participation. This initiative aims to produce aromatic hydrocarbons * using microalgae and realize bio-PET resin derived from microalgae. In addition, it is expected that other types of resins can be produced in the process of making PET resin from microalgae.
* Aromatic hydrocarbons are organic compounds whose basic structure is a benzene ring, and are widely used as raw materials for plastics and chemical products. The bioproduction of aromatic hydrocarbons is considered technically very difficult.
PET resin is not only known as the material for plastic bottles, but is also used for a wide range of purposes, including food packaging, cosmetic containers, and clothing fibers. According to OECD calculations, approximately 100 million tons are expected to be newly produced by 2060. Many people may think of recycling when they hear PET resin or plastic bottles, but complete recycling is difficult, and large amounts of new petroleum-derived PET resin are produced every year. In response to this, bio-PET resin, which uses corn and sugarcane as part of the raw materials, is already being produced, but these land-based plant-derived raw materials face challenges such as competition with food uses and agricultural land limitations.
There is no precedent in the world for mass-cultivating microalgae to produce raw materials for PET resin. Furthermore, we believe that such an effort by Japanese companies working together will not only lead to technological innovation, but also to improved competitiveness of the domestic industry as a whole. Through "PET-MATSURI," Chitose Group aims to break away from petroleum dependency and take a new step toward realizing a sustainable society. We will continue to contribute to the further development of the bioeconomy.
Related information
[News] We held an information sharing session exclusively for MATSURI partner companies, entitled "MATSURI Sub-Project Launch! ~About PET-MATSURI and Gift MATSURI~"
