In Japan, Kyodo News reports the government will introduce 10% biofuel blends in different regions of the country from 2028 as it works to ramp up to nationwide roll out in 2030. The idea is to then boost to 20% a decade later. Where the blend is introduced will be decided this fall based on […]
In Japan, starch and oils are known as storehouses of carbon in plants. However, the way in which carbon resources are allocated during metabolism in plants remained unknown. Now, however, using a forward genetics approach, researchers from Chiba University have identified that a gene named LIRI1 regulates this process, significantly increasing oil storage in leaves […]
In Japan, Asahi Group Japan has unveiled LIKE MILK, Japan’s first yeast-derived non-animal milk. Containing similar amounts of protein and calcium, LIKE MILK is free from 28 major allergens. It will be available nationwide in 2026. The creation of LIKE MILK is a key element of Asahi’s efforts to promote food diversity, particularly for individuals […]
In Japan, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. has invested in Infinium Holdings, Inc. Series C funding round. Infinium is a US based leading provider of gas conversion solutions and developer of eFuels technology and projects. This is Mitsui’s second initiative in the synthetic fuel area, following the investment in Twelve Benefit Corporation announced on February 13, […]
In Japan, Japan Airlines (JAL), Airbus, Nippon Paper Industries, Sumitomo Corporation, and Green Earth Institute (GEI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the realization of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using bioethanol derived from domestic wood. In February 2023 Nippon Paper, Sumitomo Corporation, and GEI launched the “MORISORA Project.” In February 2025 […]
In Japan, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company has commenced construction of a methanol production demonstration facility within its Mizushima Plant. The facility will utilize diverse gases, including CO2 and industrial by-product gases as raw materials. The construction of the Demonstration Facility aligns with the objectives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed with JFE Steel Corporation […]
In Japan, Green Science Alliance has developed a biobased and biodegradable plasticizer from waste cooking oil and plant-based ingredients. The breakthrough addresses environmental concerns such as climate change and plastic pollution and potential impacts to human health from consuming nanoplastics. Unlike traditional petroleum-based plasticizers, which are non-biodegradable and contribute to CO2 emissions, Green Science Alliance’s […]
In Japan, shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has joined the e-NG Coalition, a Brussels-based international alliance focused on developing e-methane as a low-carbon fuel, bringing the group’s membership to 20 as of March 1. The coalition, formed in October 2024, promotes e-methane—synthetic methane produced from CO₂ and hydrogen—as a carbon-neutral alternative that can be used […]
In Japan, researchers from the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) have developed a novel hydrogen evolution catalyst, bis(diimino)palladium coordination nanosheets (PdDI), that offers platinum-like efficiency at a fraction of the cost. Their groundbreaking study, which was published on November 28, 2024, and made available online on January 27, 2025, in Volume 31, Issue 6 of […]
In Japan, Green Science Alliance has made 3D-printed furniture using a plant-based and biodegradable polylactic acid resin it developed in house. The company has 3D printed several items using the material, including a table, bench, shelf, lamp shade, lightning cover, flower pot and floor. “Theoretically, [we] can make any kind of furniture and objects with […]
