Idemitsu and Mitsubishi Electric Partner on Biomass Plastics for Appliances

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation have announced a strategic partnership aimed at establishing a supply chain for biomass-based plastics tailored for the consumer electronics sector. This collaboration marks a significant step in the Japanese manufacturing industry’s transition toward carbon neutrality, specifically targeting the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with household appliances.

Implementing the Mass Balance Approach

The core of this partnership relies on the “mass balance” method, a crucial mechanism in the transition to sustainable materials. Idemitsu Kosan will manufacture biomass plastics by mixing bio-based raw materials—derived from renewable sources such as waste cooking oil or tall oil—with conventional petroleum-based feedstocks during the cracking process.

Through the mass balance approach, the sustainable characteristics of the biological feedstock are allocated to specific end products. This method allows for the production of biomass plastics that possess identical physical properties to their fossil-fuel counterparts. For Mitsubishi Electric, this is a vital technical advantage, as it allows the company to integrate these materials into existing manufacturing lines without the need for retooling molds or altering performance specifications for heat resistance and durability.

Targeting Scope 3 Emissions

Mitsubishi Electric plans to incorporate these high-performance biomass plastics into a variety of home appliances, likely focusing on housing materials where varied polymers such as polystyrene or polycarbonate are heavily utilized. By replacing conventional fossil-based plastics, the company aims to significantly lower its Scope 3 emissions—those occurring indirectly in the value chain.

The initiative also highlights a growing trend in the electronics sector to adopt third-party certifications, ensuring the traceability of the biomass content. Both companies are working to ensure the materials meet rigorous international standards for sustainability. This agreement sets the stage for a wider adoption of green materials in the Asian electronics market, balancing high-tech performance with environmental responsibility.

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