Kaneka Green Planet PHBH Biodegradable Polymer

Kaneka Corporation is a Japanese chemical and materials group headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Its Green Planet brand is PHBH (poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)), a 100% biomass-derived polymer developed to reduce plastic pollution, particularly in the ocean.

Green Planet is produced by microbial fermentation using plant-based oils as the main raw material and biodegrades in soil and seawater, depending on conditions. It is supplied as resin to converters making straws, shopping bags, cutlery, food packaging, cosmetic containers, toothbrushes, foam cushioning, pharmaceutical banding film and artificial turf. Kaneka started a 5,000-tonne plant in 2019 and announced an expansion adding 15,000 tonnes per year in Japan. Adopters include retailers, airlines, hotel chains, consumer brands and sports equipment makers.

• PHBH polymer: 100% biomass-derived polyester produced by microbial fermentation.
• Marine biodegradability: degrades in seawater and soil, with marine certification for certain grades.
• Food contact approval: listed for all food types under EU plastics rules.
• Packaging grades: resins for straws, shopping bags, cutlery and food packaging.
• Durable applications: grades for cosmetic containers, foam cushioning and artificial turf.
• Expanded supply: production capacity in Japan increased by 15,000 tonnes per year.

Resorts and hotel chains in Vietnam's coastal areas can switch straws, cutlery and amenity packaging to marine-biodegradable PHBH. Convenience store and coffee chains can use Green Planet for spoons, straws and shopping bags. Fishing gear and aquaculture suppliers can evaluate PHBH for items at risk of being lost at sea.

Green Planet biodegrades in both soil and seawater, reducing the risk of persistent plastic waste in marine environments; certain grades hold the OK Biodegradable Marine certification obtained in 2017. It is listed in the European Commission's plastics implementing measure for contact with all food types. Brands can replace conventional plastic in existing product formats such as straws, bags and cutlery.

Marine plastic pollution is a major concern in Asia, and governments are restricting single-use plastics in retail, hospitality and tourism. Japanese convenience stores, airlines and hotels have adopted marine-biodegradable materials, and similar demand is emerging in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam's coastal tourism sector.

Kaneka Corporation is headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Green Planet adopters named by the company include Japan Airlines, Starbucks Coffee Japan, Seven-Eleven Japan, FamilyMart, Shiseido, ITO EN, Sony, Mizuno, Shionogi Pharma and Daily Yamazaki. Won the JSBBA Award for Achievement in Technological Research in 2025 and was showcased at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.