Zeon Corporation has announced the establishment of a new research facility within the premises of Zeon Chemicals Yonezawa Co., Ltd. in Yamagata Prefecture. The facility aims to drive the development of innovative production processes for plant-derived raw materials used in synthetic rubber, specifically focusing on the direct production of butadiene and isoprene through biotechnology. These two materials are essential components in the manufacturing of synthetic rubber.

This initiative is aligned with Zeon’s Medium-Term Business Plan, STAGE30, which outlines a strategic transformation of manufacturing (monozukuri) to support carbon neutrality and a circular economy. One of the key pillars of this plan—Strategy 1—prioritizes sustainable innovation in manufacturing processes. Zeon has committed to a significant reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions across the entire Group by 42% by fiscal year 2030, using fiscal year 2020 as the baseline.

The new research facility is designed to facilitate the simultaneous development of chemical reaction and biofermentation technologies, which will accelerate the transition to sustainable and environmentally friendly raw materials. Zeon’s goal is to establish scalable biotechnological methods that enable the commercial production of synthetic rubber components directly from plant-based sources by the year 2034. This development is expected to play a major role in building a circular economy and reducing reliance on fossil-derived inputs.

This project is part of a larger initiative titled “Development of Manufacturing Technology Using Carbon Recycling for Commodity Chemicals Used in Synthetic Rubber.” It is being conducted in collaboration with The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. and falls under the broader umbrella of the “Development of Technology for Producing Raw Materials for Plastics Using CO2 and Other Sources.” This initiative is supported by the Green Innovation Fund Project administered by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

NEDO’s Green Innovation Fund Project was launched by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to accelerate the structural transformation of Japan’s energy and industrial sectors. The fund aims to achieve the nation’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through long-term, ten-year support for companies engaged in groundbreaking R&D and commercialization of sustainable technologies.

Zeon’s new research facility is a two-story building covering a total floor area of 590.34 square meters. It features state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with local exhaust ventilation systems, along with offices and meeting spaces. The facility is located at 3-446-13 Hachimandaira, Yonezawa-shi, Yamagata 992-1128, within the Zeon Chemicals Yonezawa site. Construction is scheduled for completion on May 23, 2025. The facility has also been recognized under the Yamagata Prefecture Business Location Promotion Subsidy Program, receiving partial funding support from the local government.

This initiative is being carried out in cooperation with Japan’s top research institutions, including the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the National University Corporation Institute of Science Tokyo, and RIKEN. Together, these entities are focusing on developing sustainable alternatives for producing critical materials like butadiene and isoprene, marking a significant step forward in the global shift toward green chemistry and sustainable industrial practices.