European Chemical Industry News & Insights

Mitsubishi Chemical Invests in Licella for Oil Conversion Expansion

At a glance
  • Licella's Cat-HTR™ technology converts waste plastics and biomass into oil using supercritical water.
  • Mitsubishi Chemical's Ibaraki Plant uses Hydro-PRT™ technology based on Licella's Cat-HTR™.
  • Licella's technology aims to produce sustainable aviation fuel, bio-naphtha, and renewable diesel.
  • MCG Group plans to expand chemical recycling facilities and diversify raw materials.

Investment Overview

Diamond Edge Ventures, the venture arm of Mitsubishi Chemical Group, has invested in Licella Holdings, an Australian leader in advanced recycling and renewable fuels. This investment aims to accelerate the global expansion and commercial deployment of Licella's Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor (Cat-HTR™) technology.

Technology and Applications

Licella's Cat-HTR™ technology converts waste plastics and biomass into oil using supercritical water at high temperature and pressure. The resulting oil can be refined into chemical feedstocks and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This technology is also used in Mitsubishi Chemical's Ibaraki Plant, which employs Hydro-PRT™ technology based on Licella's process.

Future Plans

The MCG Group is exploring ways to diversify raw materials and expand its chemical recycling facilities. Licella's technology is expected to produce SAF, bio-naphtha, and renewable diesel from woody residues, supporting the group's vision for a stable supply platform for green chemicals.