October 29, 2024 – Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) has unveiled its latest breakthrough, BENEBiOL™, a polycarbonate diol with a significantly higher bio-based content. This groundbreaking product will make its debut at the 4th Sustainable Materials Exhibition, held at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, at the end of October. According to MCG, BENEBiOL™ is the world’s first bio-based polycarbonate diol primarily used as a raw material for polyurethane resins, offering manufacturers a novel option.
In contrast to traditional petroleum-based products, the bio-components utilized in BENEBiOL™ not only equip polyurethane resins with exceptional functionalities but also substantially elevate their application value. These resins find extensive applications in various sectors such as automotive, furniture, coatings for outdoor products, and synthetic and artificial leathers. Polycarbonate diol (PCD) is a compound with a unique structure, featuring hydroxyl groups at both ends that readily react with various isocyanate compounds to form polymers with superior durability, chemical resistance, and hydrolysis resistance.
AsiaMB has learned that MCG’s proprietary technology has been meticulously applied to develop BENEBiOL™ bio-based PCD, focusing on each grade’s “key monomers.” Consequently, polyurethane resins based on BENEBiOL™ not only retain the characteristics of traditional PCD but also excel in flexibility, chemical resistance, and stain resistance, imparting a unique touch to the end products. Notably, the current grades of BENEBiOL™ already boast impressive bio-based contents ranging from 20-50%. The newly launched HSS and NLDS grades further push the boundaries with bio-based contents exceeding 80%, catering to the market’s heightened demand for eco-friendly materials.
Moreover, MCG has transitioned some of its previous petroleum-derived grades to bio-based grades (NLS grades), achieving full bio-grade coverage for BENEBiOL™ products. This initiative not only maintains the product’s high-quality functionalities but also aids customers in achieving sustainable manufacturing goals. Since its inception this year, BENEBiOL™ has garnered the favor of several prominent companies. In May, AEROX signed a joint agreement with MCG to utilize BENEBiOL™ as the raw material for polyurethane coatings for wind turbine blade protection. Prior to this, Citizen Watches and Lawson’s new stores also selected BENEBiOL™ as their raw material of choice.
Mitsubishi Chemical expresses its commitment to continuing to provide high-value-added products and services through the development of innovative products like BENEBiOL™, contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.