Sumitomo Chemical operates pilot plant to produce propylene directly from ethanol

In Japan, Sumitomo Chemical has constructed and begun operation of a pilot facility at the Sodegaura site of its Chiba Works for its new proprietary process to produce propylene directly from ethanol. This new technology is expected to significantly contribute to the petrochemical industry’s effort to switch to alternative feedstocks, and is supported by the NEDO Green Innovation Fund. The Company will accelerate its demonstration project for this process, with the aim of commercializing this process and licensing the technology to other companies by the early 2030s.