Bio-oil Production by Pyrolysis

Social Impact

Unique Plastic Decomposition Technology

We have been focusing on the development of chemical recycling (plastic decomposition) technology, and have developed pyrolysis technology in-house  and in collaboration with a number of major chemical manufacturers. Applying the technology obtained from plastic decomposition, we have begun development of technology to recover bio-oil from biomass such as wood.

Bioplastics derived from biomass are attracting attention as much as recycling in order to reduce dependence on plastics derived from petroleum resources. We have decided to promote the development of both technologies.

Advantages of Using Microwaves

Microwaves can directly supply energy to a material without using a heat-transfer surface. Therefore, microwaves enable rapid increase of the temperature and thereby efficiently promote the decomposition reaction from biomass to oil components (suppressing side reactions), and as a result, we can expect an increase in oil yield.

Future Prospects

Scale-up and establishment of a business model

In its “Roadmap for the Introduction of Biomass Plastics” formulated in January 2021, the Ministry of the Environment has set a goal of introducing approximately 2 million tons of biomass plastics by 2030.

On the other hand, the amount in circulation as of 2023 will be only a few tens of thousands of tons, and both innovative technology development and the establishment of a business model are required to achieve the goal.

We will accelerate the implementation of bioplastics in society by proactively working not only on technological development but also on the establishment of a business model.