Mitsubishi's Plant-Based Polyurethane Now in Bio-Synthetic Leather Bags

The Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) has announced that its plant-derived polyol, "BioPTMG," has been adopted by Kahei Co., Ltd. for use in bio-synthetic leather materials. This eco-friendly leather alternative will appear in a selection of small items, including shoulder bags and wet tissue cases, available for purchase through “tonto,” a brand run by Triple A Co., Ltd., known for its focus on sustainable products.

BioPTMG, developed by MCG in 2021, is a plant-based polyol offering flexibility, durability, and high resilience, making it ideal for applications in both polyurethane and polyester products. Leveraging MCG’s advanced refining technology, BioPTMG resists color change when processed into resin, ensuring its versatility across a wide range of industries, from fashion and interior design to industrial applications. This plant-derived material boasts a biomass content of over 92%, reducing reliance on petroleum resources and minimizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As a renewable resource, the plant-based feedstock used in BioPTMG absorbs CO2 during growth, creating a more environmentally responsible option for manufacturers.

Kahei Co., Ltd., a company specializing in synthetic leather, selected BioPTMG as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable practices. Kahei repurposes high-quality synthetic leather scraps from production to craft new items, aligning with BioPTMG’s environmental benefits. The decision to incorporate BioPTMG into Kahei’s product line for the “tonto” brand reflects a shared commitment between the two companies to reduce carbon footprints and conserve resources.

Products using this bio-synthetic leather will debut at the 4th Sustainable Material Expo at Makuhari Messe in Japan, running from October 29 to 31, 2024. This event provides a platform for MCG, Kahei, and Triple A Co., Ltd. to showcase the benefits of plant-based materials to a global audience. Consumers interested in these sustainable products can also find them online on the "tonto" website beginning October 28.

The MCG Group remains committed to driving innovation in plant-derived materials, including BioPTMG, as part of its broader mission to support sustainable societies. This focus on renewable materials aligns with MCG’s goal to decrease petroleum consumption and contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions within the supply chain. Through BioPTMG, MCG provides a viable solution to conventional, petroleum-based polyols, offering the same quality and durability with significantly lower environmental impact.

By advancing materials such as BioPTMG, MCG seeks to play an essential role in transforming industries toward sustainability. Both MCG and its partners like Kahei and Triple A are actively working to meet rising consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives, underscoring MCG’s commitment to a sustainable future. The collaborative efforts exemplified by the BioPTMG initiative contribute to a shared vision of eco-conscious production and the realization of sustainable development goals globally.