HighChem Company Limited. a chemical trading company, has established the fundamental technology for producing high‑heat‑resistant polylactic acid (PLA). The material has a melting point of over 210°C, more than 40°C higher than conventional PLA, enabling processing at elevated temperatures. The company plans to explore various possibilities toward mass production and envisions applications across a wide range of fields, including textiles.
The high‑heat‑resistant PLA, known as “Stereo Complex PLA” (SC‑PLA), features a unique crystalline structure formed by combining high‑purity poly‑L‑lactic acid and poly‑D‑lactic acid. Compared with conventional PLA, it offers improved heat resistance, and its crystallinity and molecular weight can be controlled to adjust properties such as hydrolyzability, thereby enhancing durability.
PLA, a plant‑derived bioplastic, is biodegradable and can break down into water and carbon dioxide under certain environmental conditions, making it a promising material for reducing environmental pollution. However, challenges such as low heat resistance and insufficient strength have remained. Overcoming these issues is expected to expand its range of applications.
By fully promoting SC‑PLA fiber “Highlact” which can withstand high‑temperature dyeing and ironing at around 130°C, the company aims to contribute to reducing environmental impact while adding functional value. The material will also be proposed for use in films, sheets, automotive parts, and 3D‑printing filaments.
Since establishing its Materials Research Division in 2022, the company has focused on fundamental research in the materials field. It has now successfully reproduced the technology based on the intellectual property of SC‑PLA acquired from Teijin. HighChem plans to accelerate efforts toward practical implementation in society.