Zeon Corp. (Tokyo) has decided to invest in a new facility at the GPI plant, located inside the Mizushima Plant. This will increase the production capacity of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) by approximately 20% from current levels. DCPD is the main raw material for Cyclo-Olefin Polymers (COP) and COP optical film, which are key products and growth drivers of Zeon’s C5 business, as well as other products. As a result of this investment, we will be able to secure a stable supply of DCPD without increasing production of piperylene and other materials used in commodity chemicals. The new facility will also utilize previously unused components, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Construction will begin the second half of fiscal 2026 and is scheduled for completion in September 2028.
The Mizushima Plant, Zeon’s flagship plant, began operations in 1969for the comprehensive utilization of C5 fractions through the GPI process. Products derived from this process, such as isoprene, DCPD, piperylene, and 2-butyne, are used in a wide variety of products, including synthetic rubbers, COP, petroleum resin, and synthetic aroma chemicals.
DCPD is used as a raw material for COP and other highly profitable products such as RIM compounds. In response to anticipated growth, Zeon has explored various approaches to securing the raw materials. needed to meet rising demand. As a result, Zeon developed a technology that enables the utilization of previously unused feedstock components, allowing us to ensure a stable supply of raw materials without the need to procure additional C5 fractions. Furthermore, the new process is expected to reduce CO2 emissions more effectively than extraction of raw materials from C5 fractions, thereby contributing to carbon neutrality.