Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG Group) has finalized a license agreement with SNF Group (SNF), a French chemical company, granting SNF the rights to utilize MCG Group’s proprietary N-vinylformamide (NVF) manufacturing technology. The agreement will enable SNF to commence commercial production of NVF, a crucial raw material for functional polymers, at its newly established plant in Dunkirk, France, starting this June, according to a joint announcement.

NVF serves as a key monomer in the production of various chemicals essential for industries such as papermaking, water treatment, and oil fields. MCG Group pioneered the commercial production of NVF in 1993, establishing itself as the world’s first company to employ its own uniquely developed manufacturing process for this versatile chemical.

Through this licensing agreement, MCG Group aims to leverage its intangible assets, including its valuable intellectual property, to foster the adoption of its advanced technology. The company anticipates that the broader application of its NVF manufacturing process will contribute to a reduction in environmental impacts across multiple sectors, notably in papermaking and water treatment.

SNF Group, recognized for its expertise in the design and manufacturing of water-soluble polymers, will now be equipped to produce and process high value-added NVF monomers and their derivatives. This capability will empower papermakers to enhance the strength, durability, and recyclability of their paper products, thereby contributing to the broader goal of achieving a circular economy within the industry.

The collaboration underscores a strategic move by both companies to advance innovation and sustainability within the chemical sector. By providing SNF with access to its established and efficient NVF manufacturing technology, MCG Group facilitates the wider availability of a material that can contribute to more environmentally friendly industrial processes. SNF, in turn, gains the ability to expand its product portfolio and offer enhanced solutions to its customers in key industries.

The commencement of NVF production by SNF in France this June marks a significant step in the dissemination of MCG Group’s technology and highlights the potential for intellectual property licensing to drive industrial progress and promote more sustainable practices on a global scale. Both companies anticipate that this partnership will yield positive outcomes for their respective businesses and contribute to advancements in the performance and environmental profile of products in the papermaking, water treatment, and oil field chemical sectors.

Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, a central entity within the Mitsubishi family of companies, was established in October 2005 through the strategic merger of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Mitsubishi Pharma Corporation. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company stands as a significant player in the broader Mitsubishi enterprise.