CHITOSE Group has launched a new project called “PET-MATSURI” that aims to produce 100% bio-PET resin using microalgae as a raw material. This project is the world's first attempt to bio-transform PET resin, something that has been considered technically difficult to achieve until now. "PET-MATSURI" will be implemented as a subproject of the "MATSURI" project to build an algae industry, and of the approximately 100 current MATSURI partner companies, more than 20 have already announced their participation. In this initiative, we aim to produce aromatic hydrocarbons* using microalgae and create bio-PET resin derived from microalgae. Furthermore, it is hoped that the process of making PET resin from microalgae may also enable the production of other types of resin. World's first attempt: 100% bio-PET resin made from microalgae Announcement of launch of new project "PET-MATSURI"

*An organic compound whose basic structure is a benzene ring, it is a substance that is widely used as a raw material for plastics and chemical products. Bio-production of aromatic hydrocarbons is considered to be technically very challenging.

PET resin is not only known as the material used to make plastic bottles, but is also used for a wide range of purposes, including food packaging, cosmetic containers, and clothing fibers. According to OECD estimates, approximately 100 million tonnes of new coal will be produced by 2060. When it comes to PET resin and plastic bottles, many people may think of recycling, but complete recycling is difficult, and large amounts of new petroleum-derived PET resin are produced every year. In response to this, bio-PET resins that use corn, sugar cane, and other raw materials are already being produced, but these land-based plant-derived raw materials face challenges such as competition with food use and farmland limitations.

This initiative to mass-cultivate microalgae and produce the raw material for PET resin is the first of its kind in the world. Furthermore, we believe that such efforts, in which Japanese companies come together to take on new challenges, will not only lead to technological innovation, but will also improve the competitiveness of domestic industries as a whole. Through "PET-MATSURI," CHITOSE Group aims to break away from petroleum dependency and take a new step towards realizing a sustainable society. We will continue to contribute to the further development of the bioeconomy.

Related information
[News] We held an information sharing session exclusively for MATSURI partner companies entitled “MATSURI Sub-Project Launch! ~About PET-MATSURI and MATSURI Gifts~”