Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the memorandum of understanding reached by Mitsui Chemicals, Idemitsu Kosan, and Sumitomo Chemical to integrate their polyethylene and polypropylene businesses through Prime Polymer Co., Ltd, aiming to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the Japanese polyolefin market [2][3][4]. Group 1: Business Integration Details - The integration plan involves Sumitomo Chemical transferring its polypropylene and linear low-density polyethylene businesses to Prime Polymer and acquiring a 20% stake, resulting in a shareholding structure of Mitsui 52%, Idemitsu 28%, and Sumitomo 20% [3]. - The expected implementation date for the integration is April 2026, with Prime Polymer's production capacity projected at 1.59 million tons per year for polypropylene and 720,000 tons per year for polyethylene, generating net sales of approximately 387.3 billion yen (about 18.69 billion RMB) in 2024 [4]. Group 2: Market Context and Strategic Goals - Polyolefins account for about 50% of Japan's plastic demand, crucial for industries such as automotive, electronics, and medical devices. The restructuring aims to optimize costs by over 8 billion yen annually and address domestic supply surplus and declining demand due to demographic changes [4]. - The collaboration seeks to enhance competitiveness against imports and reduce environmental impact, with a focus on sustainable practices [5]. Group 3: Green Initiatives - The companies plan to leverage green raw materials, including bio-based naphtha and chemical recycling, to develop high-performance and eco-friendly products [5][9]. - They will implement both chemical and mechanical recycling processes to promote a circular economy and develop high-value recycled materials [6]. - Low-carbon production technologies will be optimized to reduce carbon footprints, with collaborations among regional companies [7]. Group 4: Future Business Strategy - Mitsui Chemicals aims to transform into a green, high-value chemical company, with a focus on high-growth sectors such as medical, automotive, and semiconductors [12]. - The Basic & Green Materials (B&GM) division is expected to be spun off by around 2027, enhancing its ability to meet local economic security and carbon neutrality goals [18][21]. - The B&GM business is projected to achieve an operating profit of 36 billion yen by 2030, with a return on invested capital (ROIC) of approximately 6.5% [18][23].