Sumitomo Chemical has taken a major step toward sustainable petrochemical production by constructing and starting operations at a pilot facility at its Sodegaura site in Chiba works. The facility will demonstrate the company’s proprietary process for producing propylene directly from ethanol – a breakthrough technology supported by the NEDO Green Innovation Fund. The innovation aligns with the petrochemical industry’s ongoing shift to alternative feedstocks, reducing reliance on fossil resources. Sumitomo Chemical plans to accelerate its demonstration project and aims to commercialize and license this technology by the early 2030s.
Why Ethanol? A Sustainable Alternative to Fossil Feedstocks
Propylene is one of the most essential chemicals in modern industry, traditionally derived from naphtha, a fossil-based feedstock. Ethanol, however, offers a renewable alternative. It can be produced from biomass sources such as sugarcane, corn, and even non-edible materials like pulp. Recent technological advancements have also enabled the large-scale production of ethanol from combustible waste, bringing industrial implementation within reach. As the demand for sustainable feedstocks grows, ethanol is emerging as a key candidate to replace fossil-based chemicals.
Game-Changing One-Step Process
Sumitomo Chemical’s newly developed process introduces a one-step production method that directly converts ethanol into propylene, eliminating the need for intermediate steps such as ethylene. The unique feature not only simplifies the process but also reduces production costs. Additionally, the process generates hydrogen as a valuable by-product. When bioethanol is used as the feedstock, the process enables the co-production of bio-derived hydrogen, offering another significant advantage for sustainability.
Next Steps: Data Collection and Market Development
Looking ahead, Sumitomo Chemical will focus on gathering industrial-scale data necessary for full-scale commercialization. At the same time, it will conduct extensive marketing activities for polypropylene produced from bio-based propylene, paving the way for widespread adoption. The company aims to commercialize and license this technology by the early 2030s, reinforcing its commitment to innovation-driven growth.
Driving Green Transformation (GX) and Circular Value Chains
The initiative is part of Sumitomo Chemical’s broader strategy to transform its petrochemical business model, reducing environmental impact while creating new value. The company is not only advancing structural reforms globally but also expanding technology licensing and catalyst sales, including for this breakthrough process. Looking beyond 2030, Sumitomo Chemical plans to build green transformation (GX) solutions businesses. These will include circular resource value chains connecting raw material suppliers, product brand owners, and mechanisms to monetize CO₂ reduction benefits for customers.
Commitment to a Sustainable Future
As per company press release, the Sumitomo Chemical Group remains steadfast in its mission to develop innovative technologies that contribute to a sustainable society. Through initiatives like this ethanol-to-propylene process, the company is setting new standards for green innovation in the chemical industry.
