Resonac to decarbonize ammonia production with 100% used plastic-derived hydrogen
Last update on Oct 14, 2025
Resonac Corporation has decided to further decarbonize its ammonia business at the Kawasaki Plant (Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture) by using only hydrogen derived from used plastics as feedstock for ammonia production. The new facilities are scheduled to begin operation in April 2030.
Experiments to use textile as feedstock
This initiative was certified on September 30, 2025, as an eligible project for the “Support focusing on the price gap” program under the Act on Promotion of Supply and Utilization of Low-Carbon Hydrogen and its Derivatives for Smooth Transition to a Decarbonized Growth-Oriented Economic Structure, administered by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The application for the support was jointly submitted with NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD., a major ammonia customer.
Currently, at the Kawasaki Plant, Resonac manufactures and sells ammonia using (1) hydrogen obtained by gasifying used plastics through chemical recycling (referred to as “Kawasaki Plastic Recycling (KPR)”) and (2) hydrogen obtained by reforming city gas. With this new initiative, Resonac aims to produce ammonia using only hydrogen derived from used plastics, thereby further decarbonizing its domestically produced ammonia. This will be achieved by developing and introducing new processes based on existing operations.
In addition, since 2024, Resonac has begun demonstration experiments using not only used plastics but also used textiles as feedstock. By supplying acrylonitrile, an ammonia derivative, to fiber manufacturers and others, Resonac also aims to realize resource circulation for clothing.
By achieving 100% used-plastic-derived feedstock, Resonac will be able to supply high-value-added products with environmental benefits, including low-carbon and resource-circulating features, even for co-products such as carbon dioxide. This will strengthen Resonac’s business and enhance industrial competitiveness across the entire supply chain.
Focus on obtaining ISCC PLUS certification
Resonac has promoted the KPR business for plastic chemical recycling since 2003. KPR is the world’s only gasification chemical plant that has maintained stable commercial operation over the long term. In 2023, Resonac obtained ISCC PLUS certification for three products - hydrogen, ammonia, and acrylonitrile - partially derived from used plastics. Even after the introduction of this new initiative, Resonac will continue to obtain ISCC PLUS certification and supply sustainable products.
The Resonac Group places sustainability at the core of its management and will continue to promote initiatives for a decarbonized and resource-circulating society through cross-industrial co-creation. By advancing technology, Resonac aims to achieve both further resource circulation and decarbonization.