Group 1 - Asahi Kasei, Mitsui Chemicals, and Mitsubishi Chemical announced a collaboration to decarbonize two ethylene plants in western Japan and optimize production capacity [1] - The companies have signed a basic agreement to establish a new joint venture to operate the two ethylene plants, with the Mizushima ethylene plant being shut down, which has a capacity of 496,000 tons per year [1] - The total capacity of the two ethylene plants is currently 951,000 tons per year, but will be reduced to 455,000 tons per year after the closure of the Mizushima facility [1] Group 2 - The estimated investment for the decarbonization plan is 21.2 billion yen, including a maximum subsidy of 10.4 billion yen from the Japanese government [1] - The new production facility at the Asahi Kasei Mizushima plant will utilize bioethanol to produce ethylene, propylene, and other green basic chemicals, with commercial production expected to start in the fiscal year 2034 [1] - Domestic demand for ethylene in Japan has been declining, prompting chemical companies to accelerate the integration of ethylene facilities [2]