In Japan, AGC Inc. and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. have agreed to begin the study regarding the production and sale of methanol made from CO2 generated from AGC’s architectural glass production, by applying the methanol production technology developed by MGC. This study targets commercialization by around 2030 at AGC‘s Kashima Plant, and when achieved, it will be the world’s first case of producing and selling “Circular Carbon Methanol (CCM)” that effectively utilizes the CO2 generated from glass production.
The goal of this study is to use CCU technology to convert the CO2 generated at Japan’s largest architectural glass manufacturing facility into methanol, which will then be produced and sold. While chemical products that use captured CO2 as a raw material can reduce environmental burden, the higher cost associated with CO2 capture and conversion compared to conventional manufacturing methods is an issue. To address this, MGC will promote the social value of its “CCM,” which offers low environmental burden, and cultivate customers through its existing sales network. In addition to this study, AGC is also considering replacing methane gas used as a raw material in its own chemical business with CCM, with a view to commercializing chemical products based on carbon recycling.
