Sumitomo Chemical Commences Building Pilot Plant to Convert Ethanol to Propylene

Sumitomo Chemical, based in Tokyo, Japan, has embarked on the construction of a pilot facility, a pivotal step in their quest to establish a groundbreaking process for producing propylene directly from ethanol. This initiative has garnered considerable attention due to ethanol's status as a sustainable chemical raw material. The development of this innovative technology is one of the projects supported by the NEDO Green Innovation (GI) Fund, reflecting Sumitomo Chemical's commitment to environmentally friendly innovation.

Propylene holds a critical role in the world of chemicals, serving as an indispensable product. Presently, propylene is primarily derived from the cracking of fossil resources, such as naphtha, and is classified as an upstream petrochemical. In contrast, ethanol can be sourced from biomass, including sugarcane and corn, and there are optimistic prospects for scaling up ethanol production from combustible waste, waste plastics, or even carbon dioxide in the near future. Consequently, ethanol is increasingly viewed as a sustainable essential chemical raw material, paving the way for more eco-friendly and responsible chemical manufacturing practices.

Given these significant advancements and evolving industry trends, Sumitomo Chemical has taken a proactive approach. They have not only established a pilot facility dedicated to producing ethylene from ethanol at their Chiba Works but have also been diligently working on the development of an innovative proprietary process for manufacturing propylene using ethanol as a primary raw material. This pioneering process is designed to directly yield propylene from ethanol, and it possesses several distinctive advantages. Notably, it is both compact and cost-effective when compared to existing methods that involve multiple intermediate steps. Furthermore, during the production of propylene, a chemical in high and consistent demand, this process simultaneously generates hydrogen as a valuable by-product.

Sumitomo Chemical's overarching plan for the pilot facility is twofold. First and foremost, they aim to collect the essential data necessary to scale up the process for commercial production. By achieving this, they will lay the foundation for large-scale, real-world applications of this transformative technology. Secondly, they intend to provide samples of polypropylene, a versatile and widely used polymer, to potential customers for evaluation. The polypropylene will be produced using the propylene generated within the pilot facility, allowing customers to experience the practical applications of this sustainable and innovative process.

Looking to the future, Sumitomo Chemical has set ambitious targets. They aspire to commence commercial production employing this novel process in the early 2030s. Simultaneously, they plan to explore opportunities for licensing this pioneering technology to other companies, fostering broader adoption and contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices in the chemical industry.

By embracing the possibilities offered by ethanol as a sustainable raw material and through the development of this groundbreaking technology, Sumitomo Chemical is playing a pivotal role in promoting environmental responsibility and innovation in the chemical sector. Their dedication to sustainable practices and forward-thinking research positions them as a key player in the transition towards a more eco-conscious and responsible future for the chemical industry.