Design of Pilot Plant for MMA Monomers Using Plant-Derived Materials Has Begun

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC; Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Masayuki Waga) and its subsidiary Mitsubishi Chemical Methacrylates (MCM; Representative: Hitoshi Sasaki) have developed a manufacturing technology for MMA (methyl methacrylate) monomers that uses plant-derived materials and have begun designing a pilot plant.

The two companies (Group) define MMA monomers manufactured by the following three methods as “Sustainable MMA” and are working on the development of its manufacturing technology.

Molecular recycling that collects, decomposes and reuses used acrylic resin *
New manufacturing technology that applies plant-derived raw materials to the existing MMA monomer manufacturing process
New manufacturing technology to directly manufacture MMA monomers from plant-derived raw materials by fermentation

Promising results using method No. 2 have prompted the Group to begin the design process for a new pilot plant. Applying plant-derived raw materials to the existing process will enable the production of MMA using 100% bio-derived carbon. The pilot plant will be put into operation in fiscal year 2023 and, after demonstrating the technology’s viability, the goal is to apply it to existing commercial-scale plants in 2026.

The Group is also developing innovative catalysts and processes to improve productivity in its existing MMA monomer manufacturing technologies, striving to reduce environmental impact by reducing energy consumption and emissions during manufacturing.

MMA is a raw material for acrylic resin used in automobile lamp covers, signboards, aquarium tanks, paints, building materials and many other items. Global demand for MMA has exceeded 3.6 million tons and is expected to continue to grow at the same level as GDP in every country.

As the world’s No.1 manufacturer with the top share in the MMA and acrylic resin industry, the Group will pursue the potential of this business, work with stakeholders around the world to reduce the environmental burden of the entire supply chain and seek to actively lead the efforts to realize a circular economy.

The phrase “molecular recycling” is used because it points to depolymerizing the collection of molecules found in acrylic resin to regain the original functionality of the MMA molecules it contains.