Sumitomo Chemical produces engineering plastic from biomass

In Japan, Sumitomo Chemical has successfully developed technology to produce liquid crystal polymer from a monomer derived from biomass materials. LCP is a type of engineering plastic with high heat and fire resistance. It is used electric and electronic components in smartphones, automotive parts, and office automation equipment.

Sumitomo’s process also completely separates biomass materials from other materials during production, enabling precise control of the biomass content and clarity on biomass content in the final product. The company hopes to complete customer certification by the end of fiscal 2026 and begin supplying the biobased LCP by fiscal 2027.