CHITOSE Group has launched “PET-MATSURI”, a new project aimed at producing 100% bio-PET resin from microalgae. This marks the world’s first attempt to produce fully bio-based PET, a challenge that has long been considered technically difficult. “PET-MATSURI” is a sub-project of “MATSURI”, an initiative to establish a microalgae-based industry, and it has already gained the support of over 20 companies out of around 100 MATSURI partners.This project aims to manufacture bio-PET from microalgae through the production of microalgae-derived aromatic hydrocarbons*. The project also holds the potential to produce other types of microalgae-based resins in the process of creating PET resin.

*Aromatic hydrocarbons are organic compounds with a benzene ring structure, commonly used as raw materials for plastics and chemicals. Producing these hydrocarbons biologically is considered highly challenging. 

PET resin, commonly used as the main material for plastic bottles, is also widely used in food packaging, cosmetics containers, and textiles. According to OECD estimates, around 100 million tons of PET resin will be produced by 2060. While recycling PET bottles is common, achieving complete recycling remains difficult, and large quantities of new petroleum-based PET continue to be produced each year. On the other hand, bio-PET made from renewable sources like corn or sugarcane presents challenges in balancing competition with food production and the farmland use limitations that often arise from producing terrestrial plant-based materials.

“PET-MATSURI” is the world’s first project to cultivate microalgae on a large scale and produce raw materials for PET resin. Moreover, the collective effort by Japanese companies is not only expected to drive technological innovation but also to enhance the competitiveness of the entire domestic industry. Through “PET-MATSURI,” CHITOSE Group is committed to advancing the bioeconomy and takes a significant step toward reducing dependence on petroleum and achieving a sustainable society.

About MATSURI
https://matsuri-partners.chitose-bio.com/en
MATSURI, MicroAlgae Towards SUstainable and Resilient Industry, is a project led by CHITOSE Group aimed at establishing an advanced microalgae-based industry in collaboration with partner enterprises, governmental agencies and academic institutions. As what MATSURI means in Japanese, CHITOSE continues to lead the festival to promote and develop a sustainable society. We look forward to your participation in MATSURI. Click here to contact us.

Related Information
[MATSURI Website for Partners] We held an information sharing session exclusively for MATSURI partner companies entitled “MATSURI Sub-Project Launch! ~About PET-MATSURI and MATSURI Gifts~”