Mitsubishi Chemical develops plant-derived MMA production

In Japan, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and its subsidiary Mitsubishi Chemical Methacrylates 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 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 plant-derived method 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.