Ajinomoto Co., Inc. and Bridgestone Corp. have jointly developed synthetic rubber using bio-based isoprene*2, a new raw material produced using fermentation technology from biomass raw material. The partners aim to commercialise synthetic rubber for tyres using bio-based isoprene and are proceeding with the research.
Way back in June 2011, the two companies signed an agreement to jointly research synthetic rubber using new rubber raw materials and its applications as they embark on the research. Ajinomoto has successfully manufactured bio-based isoprene at the laboratory scale using a fermentation process from biomass raw material, and Bridgestone has also succeeded to produce synthetic rubber (polyisoprene) from Ajinomoto’s bio-based isoprene.
The two companies plan to put their advantages to the best use to develop synthetic rubber from biomass, thereby ensuring the stable production of synthetic rubber from sustainable resources, and helping diversify rubber resources.
Ajinomoto contributes through its business activities to global sustainability, food resource development, and healthy living in order to address the issues facing mankind in the 21st century. Toward these ends, the company uses advanced biotechnology to develop and introduce fermentation processes that can be conducted using fewer resources. The development of bio-based isoprene marks an important step in replacing petrochemical raw materials with sustainable biological raw materials. It is one way we are working to build low-carbon and sustainable communities that embrace recycling.
Looking ahead, Ajinomoto and Bridgestone plan to decide on the potential for commercialization in 2013
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