CHIMEI Corporation today announced that its “Fixing Flue Gas CO2 into Polycarbonate Resin” technology, developed in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), has been recognized at the 2024 R&D 100 Awards, often referred to informally as the “Oscars of Innovation.” CHIMEI’s success shows that the innovative application of carbon capture and utilization technology in the production of high-performance plastics has attracted international attention and led the plastics industry toward the development of a circular economy and net-zero carbon emission technologies. The production of fixed carbon polycarbonate (PC) materials using this technology can reduce carbon emissions by 17%, which equates to a future annual reduction in carbon emissions of 178,500 tons.

Since their inception in 1963, the R&D 100 Awards have recognized the world’s most innovative scientific and technological achievements and serve as an important benchmark in the global science and innovation arena. The award-winning technologies and products have played an important role in a wide range of industries. This year marks the 62nd edition of the R&D 100 Awards. Entries were submitted from a total of 16 countries and regions and judged by a panel of 56 renowned industry experts. The “Fixing Flue Gas CO2 into Polycarbonate Resin” technology, jointly developed by CHIMEI and ITRI, was recognized by the jury in the “Mechanical/Materials” category.

Kuo Ming-Chou, vice president of CHIMEI’s R&D Division, said: “To achieve the goal of net-zero emissions in 2050, CHIMEI has long promoted improvements in manufacturing processes, energy transformation, circular economy, and carbon reduction in the supply chain. In addition, we have had the courage to introduce innovative technologies to reduce carbon emissions. CHIMEI is pleased to collaborate with ITRI, which has developed a number of sustainable and innovative technologies supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in the development of the ‘Fixing Flue Gas CO2 into Polycarbonate Resin’ technology. Receiving this award is a great recognition of our years of commitment to the R&D of environmentally friendly technologies. We will continue to invest resources to promote further innovative technologies and strive to achieve the goal of sustainable development.”

The technology utilizes ITRI’s new catalyst and reaction techniques to capture the CO2 generated in CHIMEI’s manufacturing processes, converting it into dialkyl carbonate (DRC), an intermediate raw material for PC products. Taking advantage of CHIMEI’s outstanding technological capabilities in PC production, DRC is then synthesized into diphenyl carbonate (DPC). Finally, the fixed carbon DPC obtained in this stage is allowed to react with bisphenol A to obtain fixed carbon PC. Since the by-products of the fixed carbon PC production described above can all be recycled and the only raw materials required are the CO2 recovered from CHIMEI’s flue gas and bisphenol A, carbon emissions can be reduced by 17% compared to the production of PC products with current processes, resulting in a future annual carbon reduction of 178,500 tons.

To fully realize circular recycling and carbon reductions, CHIMEI has been working with the supply chain in recent years to develop and use various sustainable materials, including mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, as well as biomass and fixed carbon materials. Our goal is to become the leading international partner for sustainable materials. Looking ahead, CHIMEI will continue to adhere to its Clean & Green vision, develop more pioneering eco-friendly materials and technologies, improve the sustainability of high-performance materials, and work with partners around the world to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.