Top Suppliers and Manufacturers of Ethanol in Japan 🇯🇵

Showa Denko (SDK), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading manufacturer in the chemicals and materials industry, distinguished by its diverse product portfolio and commitment to innovation. Founded in 1939, SDK has established itself as a significant player, specializing in advanced materials, chemicals, and technologies that cater to a broad range of industries.

SDK focuses on five primary business sectors: petrochemicals (including olefins and organic chemicals), aluminum (manufacturing aluminum cans, sheets, and foils), electronics (producing semiconductors and hard disk platters), chemicals (industrial gases and agrochemicals), and inorganics (ceramics and graphite electrodes). One of their key chemical products includes ethanol, which is widely used across various sectors for industrial and commercial applications.

The company is well-known for its significant strides in sustainability. It has pioneered microwave-based chemical recycling technology in collaboration with Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd., aimed at transforming used plastic into basic chemical feedstock. Additionally, SDK's ongoing initiative, PlaWave^TM, utilizes microwave heating to decompose plastics efficiently, enhancing energy conservation and yield.

SDK has a massive global footprint, operating over 180 subsidiaries worldwide and exporting products to North America, Europe, and Asia. The company's specialization in semiconductor and electronic materials has driven net sales of approximately 400 billion yen from these segments alone. Their key product lines include high-purity gases, CMP slurries, copper-clad laminate boards, and photosensitive films, along with SiC epitaxial wafers for next-generation green semiconductor technologies.

Showa Denko's transformation into Resonac Holdings Corporation in 2023 marks a new chapter in its corporate history, demonstrating a commitment to becoming a world-leading chemical company specializing in advanced functional materials. The company's dedication to research and development ensures its position at the forefront of technological advancements, making it a trusted supplier in the global market.

Daicel Corporation, established in 1919, is a leading Japanese chemical company renowned for its diverse array of products and innovative solutions. The company, which originated from the merger of eight celluloid manufacturers, has continuously evolved and expanded its portfolio to meet the dynamic needs of multiple industries.

Daicel specializes in several high-performance materials including cellulosic derivatives, organic chemicals, and engineering plastics like liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) and cycloaliphatic epoxies. These materials cater to sectors such as automotive, electronics, medical/healthcare, and safety materials. One of its top products, automotive airbag inflators, highlights its critical role in the transportation industry.

The company is known for its pioneering chiral technologies and separation services, crucial for chemical and pharmaceutical applications. Chiral columns, used widely in product separation and analysis, underscore Daicel's expertise in this niche.

The corporation’s global reach spans North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, with significant exports to the United States, Germany, and Brazil. This expansive presence is supported by a robust network of over 75 group companies worldwide and facilities such as their laboratory in Michigan, USA.

Committed to sustainability, Daicel integrates environmental stewardship into its operations. Their BiomassValue Chain and nanodiamond solutions represent their innovative approach to reducing environmental impacts.

Headquartered in Kita-ku, Osaka, and with a strong international footprint, Daicel Corporation continues to be a significant player in the global chemical market, known for quality, innovation, and operational efficacy.

Sekisui Chemical is a prominent player in the global chemical industry, known for its innovative solutions and advanced technologies. Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Japan, with its main offices in Osaka and Tokyo, Sekisui Chemical has a rich history of significant contributions to various sectors, including housing, social infrastructure, mobility, electronics, and life sciences.

The company specializes in a wide array of products such as high-performance resins, interlayer films, foams, tapes, adhesives, medical products and equipment, pipe materials, and pipeline renewal solutions. Notably, its Selvol™ series, featuring Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) and Ultiloc Copolymers, plays a pivotal role in personal care and adhesive applications. Another standout product line is the SEKISUI S-LEC, which focuses on advanced materials for electronic displays.

Sekisui Chemical operates across an extensive range of export markets, showcasing its products in The Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Japan. The company's dedication to research and development, coupled with its strong commitment to sustainability, allows it to remain competitive in the rapidly changing chemical industry. In 2020, Sekisui was recognized as the 12th most sustainable corporation globally by Corporate Knights Inc.

Sekisui's workforce comprises around 27,000 employees, driving the company's mission to address the evolving needs of society and the environment through sustainable practices. With facilities in over eighteen countries, the company's global reach and robust distribution network ensure efficient production and supply chain management.

While the focus here is on the company's broad portfolio, it's worth noting that Sekisui Chemical does not prominently feature ethanol as a top product. However, their substantial expertise in polymer science and diverse chemical solutions supports various industries, indirectly benefiting sectors that leverage ethanol and related compounds.

INCJ, also known as the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan, is a prominent investment company founded in 2009. The firm operates primarily from Tokyo and specializes in fostering innovation across multiple sectors including materials, electronic devices, industrial machinery, energy, transportation, and healthcare. Although not specifically mentioned, INCJ’s wide-ranging investments likely involve chemicals such as ethanol, especially given their focus on advanced materials and energy sectors.

Top Products: INCJ has a diverse portfolio, which includes significant investments in companies like Atonarp Inc. and Dynamic Map Platform Co., Ltd. The firm's areas of interest span smart grids, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, aerospace, and robotics, as well as technological advancements in space exploration through companies like ispace, inc.

Export Markets: While direct export markets are not detailed, INCJ's strategic activities suggest a focus on opportunities within North America, Europe, and the United States. Their global footprint enables them to leverage diverse markets for investment opportunities, bolstering innovation and economic growth.

Specialization: INCJ excels in early-stage to late-stage company investments, particularly targeting sectors that push the frontiers of technology and industry. Their investment strategies are aimed at not only providing capital but also enhancing operational efficiencies in their portfolio companies.

History: Since its inception in 2009, INCJ has transitioned in 2018 to become a group company of the Japan Investment Corporation. This restructuring has sharpened its focus on open innovation and industrial revitalization. Despite ceasing to accept new investments as of March 2025, INCJ continues to manage its existing portfolio with a view towards sustainable growth and successful exits.

LanzaTech NZ Inc. is a pioneering company specializing in the innovative conversion of waste carbon into valuable products. Utilizing cutting-edge gas fermentation technology, LanzaTech transforms industrial emissions into sustainable fuels and chemicals, significantly contributing to the creation of a circular economy. One of their key products is bioethanol, which serves as a renewable alternative to conventional petrochemical products, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Founded in Auckland, New Zealand in 2005, LanzaTech has established itself as a leader in the biofuels and bioproducts market. Their robust portfolio of technologies enables the transformation of carbon-rich waste gases into high-value chemicals and biofuels, such as sustainable aviation fuels. This approach not only helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also provides profitable solutions for industries looking to mitigate their carbon footprint.

LanzaTech operates globally, with significant export markets in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company has partnered with notable industry players across various sectors, including steel producers like ArcelorMittal, aviation companies such as British Airways, and consumer goods brands like Unilever. These collaborations are crucial in advancing sustainable practices and integrating LanzaTech’s technologies into mainstream industrial processes.

The company’s headquarters are now located in Skokie, Illinois, and they continue to expand their global presence. With an employee count of approximately 403, LanzaTech is well-equipped to drive forward its ambitious projects and sustainability goals. The company’s innovative approach and dedication to environmental stewardship make it a significant player in the fight against climate change, transforming waste into essential resources and promoting a more sustainable future.