Core Insights - Zeon and Yokohama Rubber are collaborating to construct a pilot plant for bio-based butadiene, which is set to begin production in 2026 and achieve commercialization by 2034 [1][8] - Butadiene is the most widely used rubber raw material globally, serving as a core monomer for various synthetic rubbers such as Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) and Polybutadiene Rubber (BR) [2][3] - The project represents a significant breakthrough for Japan in the non-petroleum-based synthetic rubber sector, aiming to accelerate the commercialization of bio-based elastomers through cross-industry collaboration [7] Industry Overview - Butadiene is essential for producing SBR and BR, with global capacities of 6.8 million tons/year for SBR and 5.2 million tons/year for BR, primarily used in automotive tires [3] - The shift towards bio-based butadiene is driven by the need for carbon reduction in the rubber industry, with many leading synthetic rubber and tire companies exploring bio-based alternatives using ethanol as a feedstock [2][4] Technological Approaches - Two main technological routes are being pursued for the production of bio-based butadiene: - Route 1: Efficient synthesis of butadiene from ethanol through chemical catalysis, in collaboration with AIST, facing challenges such as catalyst carbon deposition and cost optimization of high-purity ethanol [4] - Route 2: Direct synthesis from sugars or butanediol using enzyme catalysis or microbial metabolism, which is currently limited to laboratory or small-scale trials due to challenges in selectivity and production efficiency [5] Project Goals and Timeline - The pilot facility will validate the effectiveness of new high-efficiency catalysts for converting bio-based ethanol into butadiene, with Zeon planning to use the produced butadiene for prototype polybutadiene rubber products [6] - The project aims to complete process validation by 2030 and achieve industrialization by 2034, providing innovative solutions to reduce petroleum dependency in the global tire industry and support carbon neutrality goals [8] Related Industry Developments - Other companies, such as Trinseo and Michelin, are also investing in bio-based butadiene production, with projects aimed at commercializing the use of bioethanol for butadiene production [10]

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Zeon and Yokohama Rubber to establish a pilot plant for bio-based butadiene marks a significant step towards sustainable synthetic rubber production, aiming for commercial viability by 2034 [1][8]. Group 1: Industry Overview - Butadiene is the most widely used rubber raw material globally, serving as a core monomer for various synthetic rubbers such as Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) and Polybutadiene Rubber (BR) [2]. - SBR and BR have production capacities of 6.8 million tons/year and 5.2 million tons/year, respectively, making them the top two synthetic rubbers used in automotive tires [3]. Group 2: Technological Developments - Zeon is pursuing two main technological routes for bio-based butadiene production: 1. Ethanol-based catalytic synthesis, which faces challenges such as catalyst carbon deposition and cost-effectiveness of high-purity ethanol [5]. 2. Direct biosynthesis using enzyme catalysis or microbial metabolism, which is currently limited to laboratory stages due to complexities in metabolic pathways and high costs of engineered bacteria [6]. - The pilot plant will validate the efficiency of new catalysts in converting bio-based ethanol to butadiene, with the goal of producing polybutadiene rubber prototypes for tire testing [8]. Group 3: Market Trends - Major companies in the synthetic rubber and tire industry are increasingly investing in bio-based butadiene, primarily using ethanol as a raw material, indicating a shift towards sustainable practices [4][7]. - The project is expected to complete process validation by 2030 and achieve industrialization by 2034, contributing to reduced reliance on petroleum and advancing carbon neutrality in the tire industry [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements in bio-based materials, particularly focusing on the production of bio-based butadiene and isoprene by major Japanese companies like Zeon Corp, aiming for carbon neutrality and a circular economy [1][2]. Group 1: Company Initiatives - Zeon Corp announced plans to establish a research facility for producing butadiene and isoprene directly from plant materials, aligning with its STAGE30 mid-term business plan [1]. - In February, Zeon partnered with Yokohama Rubber to build a pilot plant for the efficient conversion of bioethanol to butadiene, expected to be operational by 2026 [1][2]. - Other companies, such as Michelin and Trinseo, are also making strides in bio-based butadiene production, with Michelin planning an industrial-scale demonstration plant in early 2024 [6][7]. Group 2: Technological Approaches - The pilot plant focuses on two main technological routes: 1. Ethanol catalytic conversion to butadiene using dual-function catalysts, facing challenges like catalyst coking and cost optimization [2]. 2. Direct synthesis from sugars or butanediol through enzyme catalysis or microbial metabolism, which currently faces issues with byproduct formation and high production costs [2]. Group 3: Market Applications - Butadiene is primarily used in synthetic rubber production, including styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and nitrile rubber (NBR), with the largest application being in the production of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers [3][4]. - The shift towards bio-based rubber is a key focus for many companies, with bio-based butadiene and isoprene being critical components in this transition [5]. Group 4: Domestic Developments - In China, research on bio-based butadiene and isoprene is less common, with notable advancements from Beijing University of Chemical Technology in developing bio-based polybutylene succinate rubber [10][11]. - A demonstration production line for bio-based polybutylene succinate rubber has been established, showcasing its potential in green tire materials and other applications [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant advancements in the production of bio-based rubber and its key components, particularly focusing on the initiatives by major companies in Japan, the US, and Europe to transition towards sustainable materials in the rubber industry [1][2][3]. Group 1: Company Initiatives - Zeon Corporation is establishing a research plant to produce butadiene and isoprene directly from plant materials, aligning with its strategic goal of achieving carbon neutrality and a circular economy [1]. - Goodyear has partnered with VISOLIS to produce bio-based isoprene, while Arlanxeo has developed bio-based ethylene from sugarcane waste, achieving a 70% bio-based raw material ratio in their products [3][4]. - Michelin is opening its first industrial-scale bio-based butadiene production demonstration plant, aiming to commercialize the use of plant materials for butadiene production [7]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The global tire industry faces challenges with over 1 billion waste tires, with 6 million tons of tire wear particles contributing to marine plastic pollution [1]. - Developed countries, including the US, Japan, and Europe, are proactively planning the development of bio-based rubber as a substitute for natural rubber due to environmental pressures [2]. - The establishment of a 110,000-ton bio-based degradable polyester rubber project in Jiangsu, China, marks a significant step in the original rubber material sector, with a total investment of 1 billion yuan [10]. Group 3: Technological Developments - Beijing University of Chemical Technology has successfully developed a new generation of high-performance functionalized bio-based polyester-butadiene rubber, showing potential applications in green tire materials and other sectors [5]. - The research team at Beijing University has also created the world's first degradable polyester rubber and the first batch of degradable tires, indicating advancements in sustainable material technology [8].