Zeon Corporation has reportedly completed a bench-scale facility at its Tokuyama Plant to demonstrate highly efficient production of butadiene from plant-derived (bio) ethanol.
The facility was reportedly developed jointly with Yokohama Rubber, with construction beginning in July 2025 and a completion ceremony held on July 31, 2026, it is reported. Zeon will reportedly make butadiene rubber from the bio-butadiene, while Yokohama Rubber will build prototype tires and conduct on-road testing.
The facility is reportedly slated to move to full-scale demonstration operation starting January 2027, with commercialization targeted for 2034.
This project is reportedly part of a joint effort by the two companies to develop sustainable bio-based rubber feedstock that does not rely on petroleum-derived butadiene.
This is viewed as a case of Japan’s chemical industry moving its bio-based feedstock transition efforts into the demonstration stage, which could affect the feedstock supply chain for the tire and rubber industry.
Verification results on production efficiency once demonstration operation begins in 2027, and the feasibility of the 2034 commercialization target, are worth watching.