Home Solution Green Phenol (plant-derived phenol via RITE Bioprocess)

Green Phenol (plant-derived phenol via RITE Bioprocess)

Bio Fuels-Green chemicals

Green Phenol provides a sustainable alternative to petrochemical phenol, reducing CO2 emissions and supporting the transition to a circular economy.

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Green Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Company Established Year

Since 2010

Who is this solution for

Business, Govt

Info

Available

To sell

Project Status

In commerce

Looking to expand internationally

Yes

Doing business in

worldwide

Awards and certifications

First Technology Transfer from RITE to Corporate Form

2014

Recognized as Japan’s first joint-stock company spun out from a government R&D consortium.

Green Sustainable Chemistry Award – Encouragement Prize

2016

For developing plant-based phenol production technology.

NEDO Excellence Award

2019

For industrial-scale production achievements in green phenol from non-food biomass.

Product description

Green Phenol is a sustainably produced phenol generated using Green Chemicals’ proprietary two‑step RITE Bioprocess. Starting with non-food biomass-derived sugars, engineered microbial strains perform fermentation followed by condensation and purification to yield high-purity phenol. This plant-based phenol achieves productivity and yields competitive with petrochemical phenol and is fully compatible with existing phenolic resin manufacturing, electronics, and automotive component industries. A pilot-scale facility in Shizuoka has validated the process, supported by NEDO-funded R&D. Compared to conventional routes, Green Phenol reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 70%. It enables customers to decarbonize their supply chains without altering industrial processes. Offered in bulk to industrial manufacturers, it provides a turnkey solution that blends sustainability and practicality, supporting the transition to a circular, low-carbon economy. Green Phenol exemplifies GCC’s mission to scale plant-based chemicals across major industrial sectors.

Key characteristics and environmental benefits

  • Sustainably produced phenol via RITE Bioprocess
  • Utilizes non-food biomass-derived sugars
  • High-purity phenol competitive with petrochemical phenol
  • Reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 70%
  • Compatible with existing industrial processes
  • Supports decarbonization of supply chains
  • Turnkey solution for industrial manufacturers
  • Promotes circular, low-carbon economy
  • Validated process at pilot-scale facility
  • Supported by NEDO-funded R&D

About the Company

Green Chemicals Co., Ltd. is a Kyoto-based biotech innovator established in 2010 by the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) and Sumitomo Bakelite. The company leverages its proprietary RITE Bioprocess to convert non-food biomass—such as sugar from plant residues—into high-value aromatic chemicals like phenol, 4‑hydroxybenzoic acid, shikimic acid, and protocatechuic acid. Their fermentation and genetic engineering expertise have achieved world-leading productivity levels. These bio-derived chemicals reduce CO₂ emissions by about 70% compared to traditional petrochemical processes, helping advance Japan’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. With over 100 patents and multiple government-funded R&D projects, Green Chemicals is scaling up industrial production at facilities in Kyoto and Shizuoka. Their green phenol and aromatic compound solutions support industries in electronics, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and automotive components. Combining monozukuri craftsmanship with advanced biotech, the company is poised to drive sustainable change in global chemical supply chains.

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