Mitsubishi Gas Chemical : Start of Study on Production and Sales of the World’s First Circular Carbon Methanol Made from CO2 Generated from Glass Production
August 30, 2023 at 10:02 pm EDT
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Start of Study on Production and Sales of the World's First Circular Carbon Methanol Made from CO2 Generated from Glass Production
August 31, 2023
AGC Inc. (AGC; Headquarters: Tokyo; President: Yoshinori Hirai) and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. (MGC; Headquarters: Tokyo; President: Masashi Fujii) have agreed to begin the study regarding the production and sale of methanol made from CO2 generated from AGC's architectural glass production, by applying the methanol production technology developed by MGC. This study targets commercialization by around 2030 at AGC's Kashima Plant, and when achieved, it will be the world's first*2 case of producing and selling "Circular Carbon Methanol (CCM)"*1 that effectively utilizes the CO2 generated from glass production.
In recent years, CCU*3 technology, which captures and utilizes CO2, has been attracting attention as an innovative technology for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Methanol also has a wide range of applications as an essential chemicals, and in recent years, its use for conversion to ethylene and propylene has been expanding. As such, it is expected that its utilization will widen the possibility towards carbon neutrality.
The goal of this study is to use CCU technology to convert the CO2 generated at Japan's largest architectural glass manufacturing facility into methanol, which will then be produced and sold. While chemical products that use captured CO2 as a raw material can reduce environmental burden, the higher cost associated with CO2 capture and conversion compared to conventional manufacturing methods is an issue. To address this, MGC will promote the social value of its "CCM," which offers low environmental burden, and cultivate customers through its existing sales network. In addition to this study, AGC is also considering replacing methane gas used as a raw material in its own chemical business with CCM, with a view to commercializing chemical products based on carbon recycling.
The AGC Group has set "promoting sustainability management" as one of the key strategies in itsmedium-term management plan,AGC plus-2023, and has set a target of net-zero carbon emissions*4 by 2050. AGC's Architectural Glass and Chemicals businesses will work together to realize the production and sale of methanol utilizing the CO2 generated from glass production, thereby contributing to the attainment of a sustainable society, while aiming for continued growth and evolution.
Based on the MGC Group's mission of "creating value to share with society," MGC has been promoting the "CCM concept CarbopathTM*5 " to convert CO2, waste plastics, biomass, etc. to methanol for use in chemical products, fuels, and power generation, using methanol production technology based on its proprietary catalysts developed over the years. It aims to actively contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the transition to a circular economy through social implementation of the concept.
Notes *1 "CCM:" Defined as methanol made from captured CO2, hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources, or gasified recycled materials, as part of MGC's CCM concept.
*2 Based on research by AGC.
*3 Carbon dioxide Capture and Utilization
*4 Scope 1 and Scope 2
*5 The "CCM concept" has been branded as CarbopathTM. The name CarbopathTMexpresses MGC's desire to be a pioneer in promoting the CCM concept.
Reference
Content of this study and future studies
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MGC - Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. Inc. published this content on 31 August 2023 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 31 August 2023 02:01:02 UTC.
MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC. is a Japan-based chemical company. The Company operates in five business segments. The Natural Gas-related Chemicals segment manufactures and sells methanol, ammonia, amine products, methacrylic acid products, multiple alcohol, enzyme and crude. The Aromatic-related Chemicals segment manufactures and sells xylene isomer and xylene derivatives. The Functional Chemicals segment manufactures and sells industrial inorganic chemicals, electronic chemicals and engineering plastics. The Specialty Functional Materials segment manufactures and sells materials for printed circuit boards (PCBs), printed boards and deacidification agents. The Others segment is engaged in the real estate business.
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical : Start of Study on Production and Sales of the World’s First Circular Carbon Methanol Made from CO2 Generated from Glass Production