SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (President and Representative Director: Ikusuke Shimizu, hereinafter “SEKISUI CHEMICAL”) announces that it has received an order from Nippon Coke & Engineering Co., Ltd. (Representative Director and President: Hiroaki Matsuoka, hereinafter “Nippon Coke & Engineering”) for its unique chemical looping reactor system that converts carbon dioxide (CO₂) to carbon monoxide (CO). This order marks the first contract that will lead to the delivery of this system to a company and represents a major step forward toward the implementation of CCU*.
*Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU): Technology that captures emitted CO₂ and effectively utilizes it as a raw material for fuels, chemicals, and other applications
1. Background
CO is an important industrial feedstock used in manufacturing steel, chemicals, and synthetic fuels, among other applications. Technologies that effectively utilize CO₂ as a carbon resource to produce CO are expected to reduce dependence on fossil resources and help to achieve carbon neutrality. SEKISUI CHEMICAL has been working toward the practical deployment of CCU through collaborations with companies such as ArcelorMittal, S.A. and Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. SEKISUI CHEMICAL has now established a technology that achieves a high yield of 90% or more in the chemical looping CO₂ to CO reaction. This order is part of ongoing efforts to advance the technology’s practical application and commercialization.
2. Overview of This Initiative
SEKISUI CHEMICAL has received an order from Nippon Coke & Engineering for a small-scale test reactor system of its chemical looping CO₂ to CO reaction technology, developed using unique technology. Nippon Coke & Engineering will use this system to conduct tests aimed at implementing CCU using CO₂ emitted through its business activities and other sources, and to estimate the potential reductions in CO₂ emissions. Based on the results of these tests and estimates, SEKISUI CHEMICAL and Nippon Coke & Engineering will proceed with technical collaboration and commercialization studies to further advance CCU.
3. Future Initiatives
SEKISUI CHEMICAL has positioned this initiative as a pioneering example for CCU implementation. The company will use the test results to introduce the technology to a wide range of companies and develop partnerships with them, working to build new supply chains.
In addition, SEKISUI CHEMICAL is currently constructing a medium-scale test facility in Hitachinaka City for the chemical looping CO₂ to CO reaction to utilize CO as a feedstock for bioreactors as part of its bio-manufacturing business. The facility will serve as an upstream process supplying CO for bioreactor-based production of polymer feedstocks. Trial operations are scheduled to begin within this fiscal year. In this way, SEKISUI CHEMICAL will actively pursue capital investments aimed at future scale-up and technical collaboration with stakeholders to help achieve carbon neutrality and build a circular economy.
The Sekisui Chemical Group has tackled challenges at the core of daily life across various fields, including housing, social infrastructure, and advanced materials. Moving forward, through the creation of innovation, we will continue to support the foundation of LIFE and create “peace of mind that extends into the future” toward the realization of a sustainable society.
About SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group
Headquartered in Japan, SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (TSE: 4204) and its subsidiaries make up the SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group. 26,000 employees in over 155 companies throughout 20 countries and regions aim to contribute to improving the lives of the people of the world and the earth’s environment. Thanks to a history of innovation, dedication and a pioneering spirit, SEKISUI CHEMICAL now holds leading positions in its three diverse business divisions as well as top global market share in interlayer film, foam products, conductive particles and more.
Contact Information
SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
Press contact.
Public Relations Group, Corporate Communication Department
Email: kouhou@sekisui.com
For general inquiries
R&D Center
Advanced Technology Institute, Green Chemistry Project
Mail: gcp_press@sekisui.com
Disclaimer
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements due to changes in global economic, business, competitive market and regulatory factors.