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In November 2024, the Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG Group, Düsseldorf, Germany and Sacramento, Calif., U.S.) acquired ISCC Plus certification — an international certification system for sustainable products — for its prepreg  products using plant-derived resin manufactured at Mitsubishi Chemical’s Tokai Plant (Aichi). In February 2025, the MCG Group commenced sample work for the BiOpreg #500 series, including carbon fiber prepreg and glass fiber prepreg, that are manufactured using the mass balance approach based on this certification.

The MCG Group’s bio-based epoxy prepreg offers the same performance as conventional petroleum-derived prepreg, and can be handled and molded in the same way. It is offered as an option for customers to choose from various “green” products. The use of mass balanced plant-derived epoxy, combined with low greenhouse gas (GHG) reinforcement — such as recycled carbon fiber and/or natural fiber like flax — can reduce the material’s carbon footprint.

The company is targeting sports and leisure applications for this product, with a long-term goal of its use in mobility — such as interior and exterior materials — as well as industrial markets. The company notes that within the mobility sector in particular, there is demand to reduce the environmental impact of products throughout their entire life cycle, set against a backdrop of environmental regulations. 

Through the acquisition of this certification and the provision of certified products, the MCG Group plans to continue implementing sustainable products that use recycled and biomass raw materials.