Japan’s major chemical producer, Mitsui Chemicals, has signed a patent licensing agreement with the country’s petrochemical giant Mitsubishi Chemical, authorising Mitsui’s rights to manufacture and sell bio-polyester which includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sourced from renewable biomass. Mitsui has planned the manufacturing of bio-PET using bio-monoethylene glycol (produced directly from sugars) at the Iwakuni Otake petrochemical complex located in southern Japan.

The agreement falls under Mitsui’s efforts to reach its net-zero emission goal in 2050. The company’s short-term goal is aimed at slashing down greenhouse gases emissions in 2030 to half the volumes emitted in 2020. The company will be expanding its bio-petrochemical products portfolio with the aid of bio-naphtha imported from Neste. Mitsui has also partnered with the USA’s PureCycle Technologies to establish its recycled polypropylene business.

PET, belonging to the polyester family, is a thermoplastic polymer that is produced from the polymerization of monoethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. PET is predominantly used in synthetic textiles, food and beverages packaging, construction and automotive sectors.

As per ChemAnalyst, the production of bio-PET is a smart move taken by the company in the wake of market sentiments favouring green production and technology methods. The bio-PET production will become an important asset in the company’s drive to sustainability and will also aid in raising the polyethylene terephthalate supplies to the end-user industries.