Latest news with #RyosukeKoike
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Chitose plans to operate 10 mln hectares of microalgae production facilities
Chitose Group, with its operations in Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and Vietnam, planned to produce a wide range of products for commercial use, such as chemicals, cosmetics, fuels, feeds and foods using microalgal biomass. KUALA LUMPUR (July 27): Chitose Group which operates the world's largest microalgae production facility using flat-panel type photobioreactors in Kuching, Sarawak, is aiming to develop 10 million hectares of large-scale microalgae cultivation farms in Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Middle East and other potential areas, by 2050 covering a market size of US$4.2 trillion (US$1=RM4.22). Chitose Group's holding company, Chitose Bio Evolution Pte Ltd executive officer Ryosuke Koike said Chitose Group, with its operations in Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and Vietnam, planned to produce a wide range of products for commercial use, such as chemicals, cosmetics, fuels, feeds and foods using microalgal biomass. 'The microalgal biomass will be processed and sold through a supply chain in collaboration with partners through the Matsuri initiative to build a new algae-based industry to replace the petroleum-based industry,' he told Bernama recently. Matsuri, a collaborative initiative led by Chitose Group, comprised over a hundred partners – global companies as well as universities, public and research institutions. 'Each microalgae production facility in various locations in the world will pursue a self-funded business model whereby each site will raise funds via its own cash flows,' he said. Chitose Group also aims to become the manager of assets and manage the whole supply chain rather than becoming the owner of assets. The group collaborated with two Japanese research organisations, namely the Institute of Microalgal Technology, Japan (IMAT) and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO), as well as Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, for the existing five hectares of microalgae production facility in Sarawak, which was set up in 2023.. By 2030, microalgae production will be expanded and new products will be developed and marketed from microalgal biomass produced in the microalgae production facility in Kuching, based on the US$400 million research funding granted by the Japanese government. He emphasised that Malaysia is an ideal location for Chitose Group's photosynthesis business due to its abundant solar radiation and equatorial climate. By cultivating microalgae, he said the group is contributing towards decarbonisation, a global agenda in moving away from fossil resource dependence and reducing carbon emissions. This is possible as microalgae can absorb carbon dioxide and can be used to develop fuels, plastics, fibres, paint, food and many things in daily lives. Commenting on the changing landscape in international trade regulations, he said: 'We are aiming to build a society where humanity can thrive for the next thousand years. Given the long-term nature of our plans, we are not affected by policy shifts even in major countries, and we remain committed to creating a sustainable future.' Among the bio-economy businesses led by Chitose Group in Malaysia is its sustainable agriculture and resource circulation initiative, within which it collaborated with over 20 local farmers in Cameron Highlands, and grows produce using sustainable methods of soil cultivation rooted in Japanese tradition and scientific knowledge., 'Chitose fruits and vegetables are sold in over 70 outlets and served in over 100 restaurants and patisseries across Malaysia, as well as in Singapore and Thailand.' 'We are currently expanding our market share to reach 250 retail outlets and 300 restaurants across the region in three years,' Koike said. He added that Chitose Group is also looking for opportunities to collaborate with local growers in Cameron Highlands and partners who can distribute its sustainable agriculture produce in Kuala Lumpur and other cities in Malaysia. It is working to expand the bioeconomy in Malaysia by leveraging microalgae and advancing circular agricultural practices. Chitose Group is holding an exhibition 'Algal by Matsuri' of algae-based circular manufacturing at the Japan Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. This exhibition features a diverse range of everyday products made from algae, including clothing, cosmetics, food, paint, PET resin as well as aviation and marine fuels. — Bernama
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Chitose Group Plans To Operate 10 Million Hectares Of Microalgae Production Facilities
BUSINESS Chitose Group's "ALGAL by Matsuri" exhibition at the Japan Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. (credit: Chitose Group) By Christine Lim KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- Chitose Group which operates the world's largest microalgae production facility using flat-panel type photobioreactors in Kuching, Sarawak, is aiming to develop 10 million hectares of large-scale microalgae cultivation farms in Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Middle East and other potential areas, by 2050 covering a market size of US$4.2 trillion (US$1=RM4.22). Chitose Group's holding company, Chitose Bio Evolution Pte Ltd executive officer Ryosuke Koike said Chitose Group, with its operations in Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and Vietnam, planned to produce a wide range of products for commercial use, such as chemicals, cosmetics, fuels, feeds and foods using microalgal biomass. 'The microalgal biomass will be processed and sold through a supply chain in collaboration with partners through the Matsuri initiative to build a new algae-based industry to replace the petroleum-based industry,' he told Bernama recently. Matsuri, a collaborative initiative led by Chitose Group, comprised over a hundred partners - global companies as well as universities, public and research institutions. 'Each microalgae production facility in various locations in the world will pursue a self-funded business model whereby each site will raise funds via its own cash flows,' he said. Chitose Group also aims to become the manager of assets and manage the whole supply chain rather than becoming the owner of assets. The group collaborated with two Japanese research organisations, namely the Institute of Microalgal Technology, Japan (IMAT) and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO), as well as Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, for the existing five hectares of microalgae production facility in Sarawak, which was set up in 2023.. By 2030, microalgae production will be expanded and new products will be developed and marketed from microalgal biomass produced in the microalgae production facility in Kuching, based on the US$400 million research funding granted by the Japanese government.
