Unitika has various lineups of bioplastics, each of which has its own uniqueness brought out by Unitika’s technique. Their technique is well-reputed and helps extend the application ranges of the bioplastics. One of their products is TERRAMAC, which requires corn starch as a basic ingredient to be chemically arranged. Corn starch is fermented to gain lactic acid, and then the lactic acid is polymerised to produce polylactic acid (PLA). Finally, the PLA is shaped into material form to be provided with specific functions. Materials made through such a process are named TERRAMAC and currently put into markets in the forms of fibres, nonwovens and resins. As well as TERRAMAC, a plant-origin aromatic polyamide resin XecoT is expected to grow. It is a super engineering plastic whose basic ingredient is castor oil, and has high heat resistant properties. Unitika aims to widen its applications in an auto parts business or other business fields, and also aims for early establishment of a system for annual production of 2,000t.

JCFA News Letter (No.15) May, 2018/Japan Chemical Fibers Association