Sumitomo Chemical Launches Digital Platform for Natural Materials Analysis

Biondo®^{*2, *3} builds on Sumitomo Chemical's advanced analysis technologies and extensive data on natural resources to connect sellers and buyers of natural materials. It offers component analysis service to identify functional substances contained in materials, while continuously expanding its data library, to efficiently help customers search for the materials that meet their needs. Another key feature is its business matching function that enables sellers and buyers of materials to find each other.

Effective use of untapped resources is key to realizing a circular economy. For example, food-derived waste is said to amount to as much as approximately 24 million tons annually^*4. By providing a component analysis service through Biondo®, Sumitomo Chemical will uncover the inherent value of such resources to promote material recycling and upcycling.

In addition, the Company will target growing markets, such as health and beauty, and strive to create new value for its customers while addressing major societal issues.

Biondo®'s three main offerings:

1. Its component analysis service. Approximately 200 types of compounds can be quantitatively screened and analyzed through the platform.
2. Its material search database. The user can access the Biondo® database, which currently contains analytical data on over 350 types of natural materials^*5, to search for materials.
3. Its business partner development. Buyers and sellers can find each other using the information found on the descriptions of materials provided on the platform.

1. Sellers make a request for the component analysis of the materials they wish to sell through the Biondo® site. The functional components contained in the materials will be identified in the analysis and registered in the material search database.
2. Buyers search for desired materials or functional components using the material search database on the platform.
3. Buyers and sellers can easily find potential business partners using this database on the platform.

Making full use of its resources related to digital technology, biotechnology, and environmental impact reduction technology, the Sumitomo Chemical Group will accelerate the transformation of its business portfolio to one focused on solution-providing businesses as well as the creation of new business models.

'Sumitomo Chemical aims to become an innovative solution provider that solves various major social issues by utilizing innovative technologies. Biondo® is a new solution service that leverages our unique core technologies and important asset of digital transformation technologies. We envision this service will create connections among people and among businesses that will lead to a sustainable future. We at Sumitomo Chemical will strive to unlock the untapped value of natural materials and turn them into business opportunities. We are also preparing to offer another new digital service. Please look forward to it,' said Junpei Tsuji, Sumitomo chemical executive officer and head of the Biondo® project.

^*1: As of July 18, 2024, Sumitomo Chemical's research shows that Biondo® is the first business in Japan matching service for natural materials offering the three functions of component analysis service, material search using a database, and business partner development.
^*2: The name Biondo® combines the words 'bio' and 'ondo' (Japanese for 'lead') to symbolize a business matching service for natural materials. The name also sounds similar to the English word "beyond," reflecting Sumitomo Chemical's aspiration to create new value.
^*3: Biondo® is a membership service. For registration and fees, please refer to the Biondo® website.
^*4: Source: Consumer Affairs Agency's reference materials on food loss reduction (June 9, 2023 edition) Part 2 (inJapanese) https://www.caa.go.jp/policies/policy/consumer_policy/information/food_loss/efforts/assets/efforts_230609_0001-01.pdf
^*5: As of July 18, 2024.