November 6, 2024
DOWA HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
DOWA ECO-SYSTEM CO., LTD. (14-1 Sotokanda 4-Chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Capital: 1 billion yen; President: YANAI Yasuharu; "DOWA ECO-SYSTEM"), a subsidiary of DOWA HOLDINGS CO., LTD. (same location; Capital: 36.4 billion yen; President: SEKIGUCHI Akira), has introduced production and fuel evaluation equipment for Bio-coke*1 ("BIC"), biomass solid fuels expected to replace fossil fuels in the future, at its Research and Development center (Odate, Akita Prefecture). This makes DOWA ECO-SYSTEM the first private-sector company to build a system that can handle all processes from development to production and quality evaluation for BIC. Going forward, DOWA ECO-SYSTEM will accelerate its development of green fuels using various raw materials, aiming to contribute to the creation of a sustainable, carbon-neutral world.
In recent years, efforts are progressing toward the full-scale commercialization of BIC as an alternative to coal coke and other fossil fuels. DOWA ECO-SYSTEM has been engaged in research and development relating to the production of BIC using various raw materials such as wood, agricultural residues, and waste-based materials. In 2023, through joint research with Professor IDA Tamio of the Bio-Coke Research Institute at Kindai University supported by the DOWA Techno Fund*2, it was found that BIC made from agricultural residues can partially replace coal coke, in tests conducted at the DOWA Group waste treatment facility (melting furnace).
For further commercialization of BIC, in addition to selecting and procuring raw materials suitable for BIC, it is also necessary to evaluate the characteristics of BIC to adapt to the equipment and operating conditions used, and to reflect the evaluation results in raw materials and manufacturing methods. On this occasion, DOWA ECO-SYSTEM has introduced BIC production and fuel evaluation equipment and has built an integrated system that can handle all processes from development to production and quality evaluation, making it possible to accelerate the development of BIC. In Addition, since BIC can utilize raw materials such as waste plastics in addition to biomass raw materials, it is expected that further effective use of waste resources will be achieved by linking it with existing waste treatment businesses of DOWA ECO-SYSTEM. Going forward, with a view to expanding production and sales business of BIC at domestic and overseas bases under DOWA ECO-SYSTEM in the future, DOWA ECO-SYSTEM will work to expand the use of BIC, by building relationships with various raw material suppliers and BIC users, engaging in stable procurement of raw materials, and developing products that meet customer needs.
To link its efforts for addressing climate change to the sustainable growth of the DOWA Group, the Group has designated products and services that contribute to combating climate change as "DOWA Green Action" (hereinafter, “DGA”), and is focusing on expanding the supply of DGA products and services, developing technologies, and creating new businesses. Efforts to expand the use of BIC are also part of this DGA initiative.
The DOWA Group will continue contributing to building a sustainable, carbon-neutral world by strengthening its Environmental management and Recycling business in Japan and overseas.
*1 Bio-coke: A type of biomass solid fuel produced from biological resources such as animal and plant matter, developed by Professor IDA Tamio of Kindai University. Compared to other biomass solid fuels, Bio-coke is expected to be adopted as an alternative fuel to coal coke because it maintains its strength even under high-temperature combustion and lasts longer as a fuel.
*2 Dowa Techno Fund: DOWA HOLDINGS CO., LTD. offers financial and technological support for joint research and development in research with potential and advanced technology research at universities and public institutions, revitalizing and increasing the level of research.
[Overview of DOWA ECO-SYSTEM CO., LTD.]
1. Head office: 14-1 Sotokanda 4-Chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
2. Founded: October 2006
3. Capital: 1 billion yen
4. Representative: YANAI Yasuharu
5. Number of employees: Approx. 2,700 (DOWA ECO-SYSTEM consolidated, as of end of March 2024)
6. Shareholder: DOWA HOLDINGS CO., LTD. 100%
7. Business: Environment and Recycling business (Resource recycling, Waste treatment, Soil remediation, Logistics, Consulting)