Chemicals Division

In preparation for the transition to a decarbonized society, the Chemicals Division is pursuing business development in three fields: 1) Biochemicals, 2) Green biotechnology, and 3) Plastics recycling. The division aims to provide sustainable materials to clients seeking decarbonization solutions through the commercialization of a biochemical manufacturing process that leverages microbial fermentation. We are also working to establish a sales platform for agricultural supplies, primarily focusing on the sale of slow-release fertilizer and handling products such as biostimulants that help reduce environmental impact. Through the commercialization of a recycling process that converts high-quality mono-material waste plastic into high value-added materials, we aim to generate new demand for a recycling process that is not reliant on petrochemicals. By advancing these initiatives, the Chemicals Division aims to both ensure the sustainability of its business portfolio and enhance the value of Sojitz Group.

Through ongoing investment in Australia-based Lynas Rare Earths Ltd., Sojitz has established an over 10-year track record in the sale of Lynas’s rare earth materials (light rare earths). Lynas aims to begin production of medium and heavy rare earths in 2025, with plans to expand its product range going forward.

Sojitz possesses over 30 years of experience in the sale of industrial salts produced through the solar evaporation method in Gujarat, India. Sojitz provides a stable supply of Indian industrial salts to chlor-alkali manufacturers across Japan, Asia, and the Middle East that use the product as a key raw material in the production of chlorine and caustic soda.

Sojitz supports the foundations of the fuel and chemicals industry in Indonesia as the majority shareholder and operator of the sole methanol production company in the country. Additionally, Sojitz is involved in the development of plant-derived biochemicals, and we aim to establish new business that will contribute to a carbon neutral society.

For over 15 years, Sojitz has developed a product chain for dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) in the U.S. We fully own and operate Metton America, Inc., a poly DCPD resin manufacturer, and Cymetech Corporation, which produces the raw material DCPD. Sojitz has established an integrated supply framework for DCPD that encompasses both raw material supply and resin manufacturing.

The Chemicals Division is developing businesses in three growth fields that contribute to the environment as well as to communities. These fields are food packaging, green plastics and recycling, and next generation automotive components. In the food packaging field, we are supplying items that address changing lifestyles in Europe and the United States while also introducing these items into China and other Asian markets. Meanwhile, the insight and inter-personal networks we have developed in environmental and recycling fields are being utilized to accelerate recycling field initiatives related to green polyethylene, biomass, and marine biodegradable resins. We are also offering one-stop service for resins and electronics manufacturing services in relation to automotive components. Through these various initiatives, we will pursue balanced increases in the value of Sojitz Pla-Net Corporation and Pla Matels Corporation.

Nippon A&L Inc. is recognized as a global supplier with advanced technology in SBR latex used as anode binders for lithium-ion batteries (LiB), for which demand is expanding due to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. In the field of SBR latex for paper processing, the company boasts one of Japan’s leading supply chains and is highly regarded in both areas. Additionally, in ABS resins used for automobiles and home appliances, Nippon A&L has a stable customer base both domestically and internationally, supported by its high level of technological expertise. We are committed to further enhancing Nippon A&L’s corporate value and expanding its business into the EV and storage battery markets by combining Nippon A&L technology and Sojitz’s management resources and business expertise.

In addition to handling titanium raw materials, vermiculite, silicon metal, and other critical and specialty raw materials, Sojitz’s raw materials business is built on its long-established strengths in refractory materials and ceramics. Based on this business foundation, Sojitz is expanding business into growth industries such as semiconductors and batteries.