Cultivating the Future with the Power of Microorganisms
Introduction to the NEDO Funded Biomanufacturing Technology Project at Expo 2025

Shimadzu Corporation, in collaboration with Kaneka Corporation, Bacchus Bio innovation Co., Ltd., and JGC HOLDINGS CORPORATION is involved in research and development in a project funded by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The theme of the project is “Development of Polymer Synthesis Technology by Microorganisms using CO₂ as Direct Raw Material.” This technology is being showcased at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (hereinafter, Expo 2025) in the pavilion organized by the Japanese government (hereinafter, Japan Pavilion).

 
©Expo 2025

Microorganisms: The Key to Solving Environmental Issues

Contemporary society is confronted with a variety of environmental issues, including global warming and marine pollution. Among these, the increase in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released through human activity and the plastic waste flowing into the oceans are both grave concerns. Microorganisms have recently been attracting attention as a key to solving these issues.

Hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria are one type of microorganism that lives in the soil and oceans. This microorganism is characterized by its ability to use hydrogen as an energy source. They convert CO₂ into organic matter (biopolymers) and then store these in their bodies. These biopolymers can be extracted and purified to produce biodegradable plastics that decompose in the natural world. They decompose faster than conventional biodegradable plastics, and further, since they use CO₂ as raw material, they are expected to contribute to reductions in CO₂ emissions.

Environmentally-Friendly Manufacturing, the Aim of These Four Companies

Since 2023, Shimadzu Corporation, together with Kaneka Corporation, Bacchus Bio innovation Co., Ltd., and JGC HOLDINGS CORPORATION has been involved in research and development related to the production of plastics using microorganisms. For our research, we have adopted the theme “Development of Polymer Synthesis Technology by Microorganisms using CO₂ as Direct Raw Material” in the context of the NEDO Green Innovation Fund/Promotion of Carbon Recycling Using CO₂ from Biomanufacturing Technology as a Direct Raw Material.

Taking advantage of the strengths of each company, our aim is to develop microorganisms capable of more efficiently converting CO₂ into biopolymers, and to industrialize this technology. At present, research is progressing aimed at searching for and developing highly efficient microorganisms, with an eye to production at the scale of factories.

Additionally, in March of this year, Shimadzu Corporation opened the Shimadzu Kobe Innovation Lab. The aim is to increase the speed of research and development and contribute to reducing manufacturing costs by developing a system that cultivates more microorganisms simultaneously and then analyzes and evaluates their growth status with a variety of analytical instruments.

A future of CO₂ circulation at Japan Pavilion Showcase

“Development of Polymer Synthesis Technology by Microorganisms using CO₂ as Direct Raw Material,” an initiative by the four companies including Shimadzu Corporation, is being showcased in the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2025. Under the theme of “Between Lives,” the Japan Pavilion embodies the cycle of life through its three areas: the Plant Area, the Farm Area, and the Factory Area.

In the Farm Area, the exhibit shows vessels made of biodegradable plastic, using CO₂ in cylinders as the raw material.

The objects are produced using CO₂ and then decompose, leading to the next manufacturing cycle. Visitors can experience a vision of a future society where CO₂ circulates naturally, powered by microorganisms.

Overview of the NEDO Funded Biomanufacturing Technology Exhibit Showcased in the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2025