LanzaTech and SEKISUI to build waste-to-ethanol plants in Japan

In Illinois, LanzaTech and SEKISUI signed a Master License Agreement to construct multiple waste-to-ethanol plants across Japan, using LanzaTech’s advanced gas fermentation technology. This innovative process converts municipal and industrial solid waste into ethanol by capturing carbon from waste streams without the need for chemical catalysts, heat, or pressure, relying instead on a microbial catalyst.

The partnership has already achieved significant milestones. In 2017, the companies launched a pilot plant in Yorii-machi, Saitama, followed by the successful construction of a demonstration facility in Kuji City, Iwate, in 2022. The Kuji City plant currently produces 400 tons of ethanol annually, showcasing the effectiveness of their waste-to-ethanol platform. This ethanol meets Japan Alcohol Association Standards and can be further refined into ethylene and kerosene for use as Sustainable Aviation Fuel or in everyday products such as packaging and personal care items.

The gas fermentation technology allows for the gasification of unsorted waste, transforming it into ethanol that can replace fossil fuel-derived feedstocks. This breakthrough not only reduces waste but also provides a renewable energy source, significantly advancing Japan’s waste management and ethanol production capabilities. The new plants will further scale this proven technology.