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Core Viewpoint - Sumitomo Chemical has successfully developed and launched a pilot plant for direct conversion of ethanol to propylene, marking a significant advancement in propylene production technology [1] Group 1: Technology and Process - The newly established pilot plant in Chiba utilizes a self-developed catalytic process to produce propylene directly from ethanol, eliminating the need for ethylene as an intermediate product [1] - This innovative process involves a new composite catalyst system that enables ethanol molecules to undergo dehydrogenation, dehydration, and molecular rearrangement under specific reaction conditions, resulting in high selectivity for propylene [1] - The new method not only shortens the production process but also reduces costs and allows for flexible raw material sourcing, including various non-food biomass such as cellulose ethanol and agricultural waste fermentation ethanol [1] Group 2: Production and Market Strategy - The pilot plant completed construction in June and began its first production run from late July to early August, successfully generating propylene products [1] - Sumitomo Chemical plans to optimize process parameters and extend catalyst lifespan based on data accumulated from the pilot plant, while actively promoting polypropylene market activities using propylene as a raw material [1] - The company aims to achieve commercial operation by 2030, leveraging the additional value of hydrogen produced as a byproduct of the process [1]