SBHPP (High Performance Plastics Business of Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd.) provides high-performance thermosetting resin materials such as phenolic resins.
We have been working on resource circulation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while aiming for new functions and higher durability. As part of these efforts, we are promoting the use of biomass.

Biomass grows by absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Substituting biomass-derived resources for fossil-derived resources used in plastics (resins) can substantially reduce CO₂ emissions from incineration. Biomass can also be circulated as carbon.
On the other hand, the use of biomass for plastics requires consideration of factors such as interference with the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), competition with food, and various environmental impacts (Greenhouse gases and water) over the life cycle.

*It has been pointed out that the use of biomass for “unnecessary” single-use plastics interferes with the 3Rs. It has also been pointed out that it cannot be circulated if growing period of biomass is much longer than plastic product life.

In Japan, “Utilizing biomass in cases where the 3Rs are difficult, such as when plastic is essential for function and is inevitably incinerated due to the nature of the product (e.g., combustible garbage bags)” has been advocated.

*It means to utilize renewable (Reduction in use and resource conservation) after thoroughly implementing the 3 Rs of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Refference: 2019 Plastic Resources Strategy “Principle of 3R+ Renewable”

If the product has a long life, the carbon captured by biomass can be fixed for a long time.

As in these examples, it is necessary to think about plastic products suitable for biomass.

Example of appropriate biomass utilization for plastics

Life Cycle of Phenolic Resin Products

As a leading phenolic resin supplier, SBHPP has been working on biomass utilization for phenolic resins.
SBHPP have been providing biomass phenolic resins with various functions over many years. They are used for applications that take advantage of flexibility, hydrophobicity, and adhesiveness derived from biomass.
In recent years, SBHPP have developed lignin-modified phenolic resins with excellent durability and have been applying them to conventional applications. SBHPP are also developing new applications that take advantage of the unique functions of lignin.

SBHPP is developing a biomass network polymer that can replace or even surpass phenolic resins.
The proportion of non-edible biomass of the biomass network polymers is close to 100%.
*A polymer (resin or rubber) crosslinked by thermosetting is called a network polymer. Thermosetting resins are also included in network polymer.

Highly durable biomass network polymer to meet diversifying needs.