Nippon Paper Industries, Sumitomo Corporation, and Green Earth Institute (GEI) have announced the establishment of a joint venture, Morisora Bio Refinery LLC, aimed at producing bioethanol and biochemicals from woody biomass.
Set to begin operations in 2027, the semi-commercial plant will be located at Nippon Paper's Iwanuma Mill in Miyagi Prefecture, using sustainable forest resources from the Tohoku region.

The venture comes as Japan plans to adopt Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) more widely by 2030, with the goal of producing tens of thousands of kiloliters of bioethanol and biochemicals annually. By utilizing GEI's innovative, low-carbon production process, the plant will produce 1,000 kiloliters of bioethanol each year by 2027.

This initiative supports the broader “ACT FOR SKY” project to increase SAF production and is a part of Japan’s SAF certification efforts. Additionally, it aims to reduce carbon emissions through locally sourced wood and sustainable production processes that generate carbon-neutral energy. Through the project, the partners hope to promote decarbonization and energy security, contributing to Japan's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

As Nippon Paper accelerates its push into the biochemical sector, Sumitomo Corporation focuses on ensuring a stable supply of SAF and low-carbon biofuels globally. GEI’s biomanufacturing technology will play a key role in advancing Japan’s decarbonization goals, including the creation of sustainable forests in the Tohoku region.

Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. is a leading Japanese company specializing in the production of paper, pulp, and related products. Founded in 1949, the company has a long history of innovation in the paper industry and is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Source: paperadvance.com