Mitsubishi Chemical begins design of pilot plant for production of methyl methacrylate based on plant-derived carbon; pilot plant will begin operation in fiscal 2023 with aim of commercial production in 2026

Sample article from our Bioeconomy

TOKYO , February 18, 2022 (press release) –

 

- Plant Signifies Major Progress Toward Full-Scale Development of “Sustainable MMA” -

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC; Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Masayuki Waga) and its subsidiary Mitsubishi Chemical Methacrylates (MCM; Representative: Hitoshi Sasaki) have developed a manufacturing technology for MMA (methyl methacrylate) monomers that uses plant-derived materials and have begun designing a pilot plant.

The two companies (Group) define MMA monomers manufactured by the following three methods as "Sustainable MMA" and are working on the development of its manufacturing technology.

1.Molecular recycling that collects, decomposes and reuses used acrylic resin *

2.New manufacturing technology that applies plant-derived raw materials to the existing MMA monomer manufacturing process

3.New manufacturing technology to directly manufacture MMA monomers from plant-derived raw materials by fermentation

Promising results using method No. 2 have prompted the Group to begin the design process for a new pilot plant. Applying plant-derived raw materials to the existing process will enable the production of MMA using 100% bio-derived carbon. The pilot plant will be put into operation in fiscal year 2023 and, after demonstrating the technology’s viability, the goal is to apply it to existing commercial-scale plants in 2026.

The Group is also developing innovative catalysts and processes to improve productivity in its existing MMA monomer manufacturing technologies, striving to reduce environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and emissions during manufacturing.

MMA is a raw material for acrylic resin used in automobile lamp covers, signboards, aquarium tanks, paints, building materials and many other items. Global demand for MMA has exceeded 3.6 million tons and is expected to continue to grow at the same level as GDP in every country.

As the world's No.1 manufacturer with the top share in the MMA and acrylic resin industry, the Group will pursue the potential of this business, work with stakeholders around the world to reduce the environmental burden of the entire supply chain and seek to actively lead the efforts to realize a circular economy.


* The phrase “molecular recycling” is used because it points to depolymerizing the collection of molecules found in acrylic resin to regain the original functionality of the MMA molecules it contains.

 -Press release dated May 24, 2021, titled “Construction of Verification Facilities and Implementation of Verification Testing to Commercialize Acrylic Resin Molecular Recycling Operations".

 -Press release dated December 9, 2021, titled “Successful trial results for acrylic resin chemical recycling with Agilyx”.

The production of Sustainable MMA uses one of the following three methods to reduce its environmental impact: 1) molecular recycling that collects, decomposes and reuses used acrylic resin, 2) application of plant-derived raw materials to the existing MMA monomer manufacturing processes, and 3) directly manufacture MMA monomers from plant-derived raw materials by fermentation.
 

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.

See our dashboard in action - schedule an demo
Jason Irving
Jason Irving
- SVP Enterprise Solutions -

We offer built-to-order bioeconomy coverage for our clients. Contact us for a free consultation.

About Us

We deliver market news & information relevant to your business.

We monitor all your market drivers.

We aggregate, curate, filter and map your specific needs.

We deliver the right information to the right person at the right time.

Our Contacts

1990 S Bundy Dr. Suite #380,
Los Angeles, CA 90025

+1 (310) 553 0008

About Cookies On This Site

We collect data, including through use of cookies and similar technology ("cookies") that enchance the online experience. By clicking "I agree", you agree to our cookies, agree to bound by our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. For more information on our data practices and how to exercise your privacy rights, please see our Privacy Policy.