Zeon Corporation Strengthens C5 Business Competitiveness by Increasing Raw Material Production Capacity for Cycloolefin Polymers

Zeon Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and CEO: Tetsuya Toyoshima; hereinafter, Zeon) has decided to invest in adding new equipment to its GPI*1 plant at the Mizushima Plant (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture; Plant Manager: Yasumasa Mori) to increase its capacity. This will boost the production capacity of dicyclopentadiene (hereinafter, DCPD), a main raw material for cycloolefin polymers (hereinafter, COP) and COP optical films, which are the core and growth drivers of Zeon's C5 business, by up to approximately 20% compared to current levels. This investment will ensure a stable supply of DCPD without increasing the production of general-purpose raw materials such as piperylene. Furthermore, by effectively utilizing previously unused components, it will also contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. Construction is scheduled to commence in the second half of fiscal year 2026, with completion targeted for September 2028.

Zeon's Mizushima Plant began operations in 1969 as a comprehensive C5 fraction utilization plant employing the GPI method, serving as a key facility for Zeon. The GPI method produces active components such as isoprene, DCPD, piperylene, and 2-butyne, which are then developed into various products including synthetic rubber, COP, petroleum resins, and synthetic fragrances.

Exterior view of Mizushima Plant GPI facility

DCPD is used as a raw material for high-profit products such as COP and RIM compounding liquids. COP and COP optical films, in particular, are designated as growth drivers with steady expansion expected in the Mid-Term Management Plan STAGE30, and future demand growth is anticipated.*2 As a result of various studies on raw material procurement to meet this expansion trend, the establishment of technology to utilize previously unused components has enabled a stable supply of raw materials without additional procurement of C5 fractions.

Moreover, this method is expected to reduce CO2 emissions compared to extraction from C5 fractions, contributing to carbon neutrality.

Under STAGE30, Zeon is promoting portfolio restructuring through "selection and concentration." This investment will further expand its C5 business and strengthen its competitiveness. Zeon will continue to meet market needs and societal expectations, contributing to people's comfortable lives.

*1: Abbreviation for Zeon Process of Isoprene. Zeon's unique technology for extracting high-purity active components from C5 fractions contained in naphtha through extractive distillation.

*2: To meet growing demand, construction to increase capacity for COP optical films, in addition to COP, has also commenced.

Zeon Corporation holds groundbreaking ceremony for new cycloolefin polymer plant, aiming for completion in the first half of fiscal year 2028.

Zeon Corporation holds groundbreaking ceremony for expansion of phase difference film production line at Himi Futagami Plant.