This innovation allows for precise control of biomass content and aims for commercial supply by fiscal 2027, leveraging biomanufacturing technology to expand its LCP business.
Sumitomo Chemical, a global leader in the liquid crystal polymer (LCP) market, has announced a groundbreaking achievement in sustainable manufacturing: the successful establishment of mass production technology for LCP utilizing monomers derived from biomass materials. This pivotal development positions the company at the forefront of the shift towards a circular economy, addressing the escalating demand for environmentally friendly alternatives in high-performance materials.
The company is now poised to accelerate the development of a comprehensive mass production system for this innovative bio-based LCP. The ambitious timeline targets customer certification by the end of fiscal 2026, with commercial supply anticipated to commence from fiscal 2027. This move underscores Sumitomo Chemical's commitment to expanding its LCP business with products that significantly reduce reliance on fossil resources.
LCP, a highly valued super engineering plastic, is renowned for its exceptional heat and fire resistance. Its unique properties make it indispensable in a broad spectrum of critical applications, including intricate electric and electronic components found in smartphones, vital automotive parts, and various office automation equipment. Traditionally, the raw materials for these industrial applications have been predominantly fossil-resource based. However, the increasing global imperative to achieve a sustainable society has spurred an urgent call for a comprehensive transition to biomass-derived materials across all industrial sectors.
A key highlight of Sumitomo Chemical's newly developed LCP manufacturing process is the adoption of a stringent segregation approach. This method ensures the complete physical separation of biomass materials from other traditional materials throughout the entire production lifecycle. This meticulous separation not only enables precise control over the biomass content within the final product but also provides clear traceability, allowing for exact clarification of the proportion of biomass materials incorporated.
In addition to the segregation approach, Sumitomo Chemical is also exploring the mass balance approach. This method involves mixing biomass materials with other materials during production, where the sustainable characteristics of the biomass are allocated proportionally to a portion of the product's output. By considering the unique features and benefits of both segregation and mass balance approaches, Sumitomo Chemical plans to offer flexible solutions tailored to meet diverse customer needs and sustainability goals.
Sumitomo Chemical reaffirms its dedication to continuous innovation, striving to develop pioneering technologies and open up entirely new business areas. This strategic direction is central to its overarching vision of contributing to and achieving a robust circular economy.
