Bio-based Transformation of Organic Solvents for Achieving Carbon Neutrality

Nitto Denko Corporation (hereinafter referred to as “Nitto”) is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with Crysalis Biosciences Inc., (hereinafter referred to as “Crysalis”) to jointly develop plant-derived acetonitrile as a bio-based solvent, as well as to invest in Crysalis, as part of its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

The goal of this work is to reduce the environmental impacts of nucleic acid production in Nitto’s contract manufacturing business.

Nitto recognizes that switching from the use of fossil derived acetonitrile to the use of bio-based acetonitrile would be a substantial step towards achieving carbon neutrality and is committed to realizing this initiative.

Crysalis possesses innovative bio-refinery technology that converts plant-derived raw materials into various chemicals. The process uses microbial fermentation combined with catalytic upgrading technology. Ultimately, this bioprocess enables a pathway to low carbon intensity organic solvents with high environmental value.

Going forward, Nitto will work to develop the world’s first the bio-based manufacturing plant for acetonitrile using Crysalis’ innovative bio-refinery technology as a pioneering effort in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This effort demonstrate Nitto’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact throughout the entire supply chain.

Future developments
Through this strategic collaboration, established by our business capital alliance, both companies will further develop technologies that contribute to reducing environmental impact by combining Nitto’s polymer membrane separation technology with Crysalis’s bio-refinery technology.

Nitto will also strengthen marketing efforts within the United States, the main market, viewing bio-refining as a promising growth field, and will work towards expanding into new business areas by creating niche top products.

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About Crysalis Biosciences Inc.,
Crysalis is a bioprocess technology demonstration, manufacturing, and licensing company. Using our portfolio of Intellectual Property, we design, build, and operate turnkey biochemical plants to manufacture the next generation of low Carbon Intensity (CI) biofuels and biochemicals.

About Nitto Denko Corporation:
Founded in 1918, Nitto has developed our business globally to offer various products in fields such as electronics, automobiles, housing, infrastructure, environment, and medicine.
The Nitto Group strives to become a centennial company that is always trusted by customers, embraced by employees with pride, makes an active contribution to society, and continuously grows on a global scale with our slogan, “Innovation for Customers.”

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