[IDEAS FOR GOOD] Second edition of “Biomass plastics case study collection” white paper now available for free download

IDEAS FOR GOOD, a web media that shares ideas for making society more sustainable, has released the second edition of the white paper “Biomass plastics case study collection” in collaboration with Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.  It is available for free download.

As climate change and the plastic waste crisis gain increasing attention, the use of plastic s is being reevaluated. The importance of reducing reliance on fossil resources and effectively utilizing renewable resources such as biomass has never been more crucial. Among the emerging solutions, biomass plastics are gaining momentum as a viable alternative.

In pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2050, companies around the world are working to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and more are obtaining Science Based Targets (SBT) certification. SBT requires companies to set targets not only for direct emissions but also for Scope 3 emissions, which includes the emissions from purchased goods and services (Category 1). As a result, many companies are adopting biomass plastics that contribute to carbon neutrality as part of their Scope 3 reduction strategies.

One method increasingly used in the production of biomass plastics is the “mass balance approach.” This approach allocates the input of biomass raw materials proportionally to the output products. It’s a well-established concept used in familiar certifications such as FSC for paper pulp and Fairtrade for cacao and coffee beans.

The mass balance method is not only accelerating the shift toward a carbon-neutral society but is also considered an essential approach for advancing the circular economy by expanding the scope of recycled materials in production.

In November 2023, Mitsui Chemicals and IDEAS FOR GOOD jointly published a report focused on biomass plastics using the mass balance method. This new white paper is the second edition, reflecting the latest developments. Since the release of the first edition, there has been a notable increase in the number of companies adopting biomass plastics via mass balance, and the application areas and products have diversified. We hope this white paper serves as a helpful resource for all stakeholders.

White paper contents

Included sections:

1. Introduction
2. 15 case studies on biomass plastics
3. Mini column ①: Perspectives from governments and companies on the mass balance approach
4. Mini column ②: How the mass balance approach is paving the way for a sustainable future for carbon fiber
5. Conclusion
6. Notes and requests for white paper usage
7. Company profiles

Featured case studies (excerpt):

• A line of breakfast appliances made from used cooking oil (Netherlands)
• A toy brand in Germany using 100% biomass plastics in its toddler products
• A major Japanese cosmetics company adopting mass balance-based biomass plastics for its containers
• A Japanese beverage giant promoting sustainable PET bottles using the mass balance method
  …and 11 more case studies

White paper overview

• Authors: Mitsui Chemicals & Harch Europe (IDEAS FOR GOOD editorial team)
• Price: Free
• Release date: May 2025
• Format: Digital (PDF)
• Length: 36 pages (A4 size)
• Download: https://jp.mitsuichemicals.com/jp/sustainability/beplayer-replayer/soso/whitepaper/ (in Japanese)

Recommended for:

• Companies aiming for or currently practicing sustainable management
• Brand managers or product development professionals
• Those interested in the mass balance approach
• Individuals curious about biomass and recycled plastics
• Anyone seeking to address social issues and pursue carbon neutrality through business

[Reference] “Mitsui Chemicals × IDEAS FOR GOOD second edition of ‘Biomass plastics case study collection’ white paper now available for free download” | IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)
[Related Site] IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)