In Japan, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is using DURABIO, a biobased engineering plastic from the Mitsubishi Chemical Group, for the colored bodywork and windshield of its X-ADV motorcycles sold in Japan. According to Honda, DURABIO provides the toughness and other features required for motorcycle bodywork parts, as well as a “glossy, sophisticated look” achieved by […]
In Japan, Sanyo Chemical Industries announced the development of NEOPROVER HBF-101, a cold flow improver designed to enhance the low-temperature flowability of biodiesel fuels. C compared to fossil diesel, biodiesel tends to lose flowability on low-temperature conditions, leading to operational issues in cold climates without proper modification. The newly developed NEOPROVER HBF-101 significantly enhances the […]
In Singapore, Splash 24/7 reports Mitsui OSK Lines, the Tokyo-based maritime giant, has contracted four new ammonia dual-fuel newcastlemax bulk carriers, each with a 210,000 dwt capacity, from CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding in China. These vessels, scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028, are part of an ambitious expansion, contrasting with earlier orders of three […]
In Japan, a biobased engineering plastic produced by Mitsubishi Chemical Group is being used in the front grill of Fronx, a new compact SUV from Suzuki Motor Corporation. The bioplastic, trade named Durabio, is made from plant-based isosorbide. Offering “excellent impact resistance, scratch resistance, and colorability, this material is being developed for use across a […]
In Japan, Starbucks has introduced new plant-based, biodegradable straws as the coffee chain works to cut waste in half by 2030. The new straw is made from Green Planet, which uses plant oils instead of petroleum feedstocks. The material degrades into CO2 and water by microorganisms living in sea water and soil, mitigating issues of […]
In Japan, Toray Industries, Inc., has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with major Thai petrochemicals producer PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) to explore mass production technology for adipic acid made from non-edible biomass. Toray and GC will jointly evaluate the feasibility of mass production technology and commercialization in Thailand and Japan. If […]
In Japan, Marubeni Corporation has completed construction on the Aichi Tahara Biomass Power through Aichi Tahara Biomass Power Plant G.K., in which it has invested together with Enewill Corporation and Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. with commercial operations of the power plant commencing November 26. The Power Plant is a wood-fired biomass power plant with a […]
In Japan, Toray Industries announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with major Thai petrochemicals producer PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) to explore mass production technology for adipic acid made from non-edible biomass. Toray and GC will jointly evaluate the feasibility of mass production technology and commercialization in Thailand and Japan. […]
In Japan, World of Renewables reported that Japanese company Enshu Forest Energy officially began operations at its 7.1MW biomass power plant in Fukuroi city, Shizuoka prefecture, on November 16. The report noted that the Enshu plant will use 90,000 tons of wood chips per year, sourced primarily from unused forest materials in Shizuoka. It is […]
In Japan, ORIX Corporation announced that it will conduct a sea trial using biofuel for ship operations in the ORIX-owned vessel currently chartered by Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S. This is the first time for ORIX to use biofuels in the owned vessel, the firm said. The sea trial will use a fuel composed of a mix […]
