Zeon Corporation Signs Memorandum Of Understanding With Visolis, Inc. To Commercialize Bio-Isoprene Monomer And SAF Toward Realizing A Sustainable Society

Zeon Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with Visolis, Inc. on March 30, 2024, to advance the commercialization of products, including bio-isoprene monomers and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Zeon had announced its investment in Visolis through its venture capital arm Zeon Ventures Inc. in February 2023, and the latest agreement will accelerate its efforts to realize a sustainable society.

Bio-isoprene monomers are used as a raw material for products such as bio-isoprene rubber, bio-styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (bio-SIS), and SAF. The material is expected to contribute significantly to transforming Zeon’s “monozukuri" manufacturing to realize carbon neutrality and a circular economy as a Groupwide strategy under its STAGE 30 Medium-Term Business Plan. Bio-isoprene monomers and SAF will be manufactured from biomass materials through a combination of biological catalysis(fermentation) and chemical catalysis drawing upon Visolis’ patented cutting-edge technology. In this context, Zeon recently accomplished a world first by synthesizing bio-SIS using bio-isoprene monomers produced through Visolis’ proprietary technology, while Visolis has concurrently achieved a 50-fold increase in its production capacity of bio-isoprene monomers.

Under this agreement, the two companies will investigate the feasibility of commercializing bio-isoprene monomers and SAF. Additionally, Zeon will begin providing evaluation samples to potential customers in markets with a high demand for bio-based materials like footwear, tires, etc.

Looking ahead, Zeon remains committed to contributing to a sustainable Earth and safe and comfortable life for people through its unique technologies, products and services.