China-Japan Tripartite Cooperation Promotes PHA as an Alternative to Cosmetic Microplastic Beads
On October 31, Takagi Chemical Co., Ltd. announced a strategic cooperation agreement with Beijing Microstructure Factory Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and Nikko Rika Co., Ltd. for the joint development and market expansion of marine biodegradable resin PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) in the cosmetics field.
In recent years, marine pollution caused by microplastic beads in cosmetics has become an environmental problem. These beads cannot be removed by wastewater treatment equipment and are ingested by plankton and fish after entering the ocean, impacting the food chain of the ecosystem.
In response to this situation, Europe enacted the REACH regulation in September 2023, gradually strengthening the control of microplastics. In the cosmetics sector, cosmetics sold within the EU will be phased out of the addition of microplastics, and it is expected that by 2035, the use of microplastics in all color cosmetics, including lip and nail products, will be completely banned.
Currently, regulated microplastic beads still exist in cosmetics globally, urgently requiring a shift to alternative products that comply with the REACH regulation.
This collaboration aims to address market changes by developing, mass-producing, and promoting innovative PHA alternatives with marine biodegradability, contributing to the solution of microplastics issues.
Through this collaboration, the three parties will advance the following initiatives by 2026:
*Utilizing Nikko Rika's advanced materials development technology to develop PHA-based plastic microbead alternatives;
*establishing a stable supply mechanism based on PhaBuilder's manufacturing technology and mass production system;
*and leveraging Nikko Rika's global market development capabilities to promote the application of PHA products in the cosmetics field.
PhaBuilder, a microstructure factory, is China's largest PHA producer, based on Tsinghua University's over 30 years of accumulated "Next Generation Industrial Biotechnology (NGIB)" system. It offers cost-effective and diverse PHA products.
This year, its joint venture with Angel Yeast, a major Chinese yeast producer, in Hubei Province, launched the world's largest PHA plant with an annual production capacity of 10,000 tons, officially commencing commercial production. Future plans include expanding to 30,000 tons per year, building a stable supply system and cost competitiveness.
Nikko Rika utilizes its unique powder processing technology to process raw materials for cosmetic applications. While retaining the marine biodegradable properties of PHA, "RUSENT POWDER" has been successfully developed. This product significantly improves the smoothness of the feel compared to traditional biodegradable resin powders and possesses excellent water and oil dispersibility. This product can be widely used in base makeup, color cosmetics, and skincare products.
HighChem signed a sales agency agreement for the Japanese market with PhaBuilder in July 2024. Furthermore, since 2019, it has established a strategic business partnership with Toyohara Group, the world's largest polylactic acid (PLA) manufacturer, to jointly develop the biodegradable plastics market. It has established an import and sales system for seven types of biodegradable plastics, including marine biodegradable resins PHBV and P34HB.
