DKS and Rengo develop process to upcycle cellophane scrap, cutting CO2 by 68%

Japanese chemicals maker DKS and packaging group Rengo have jointly developed a process converting cellulose offcuts from Rengo's cellophane manufacturing into polysaccharide esters suitable for transparent moulded products. DKS said its low-CO2 esterification technology used in the process cuts emissions by 68% compared with a conventional production route, and the companies now plan to pursue commercialisation and new applications.

Why this mattersA lower-carbon route to reuse cellophane manufacturing scrap could extend the material's relevance as packaging makers seek biomass alternatives to fossil-based plastics.

• DKS announced the jointly developed process with Rengo on 18 September 2026
• The process converts cellulose offcuts from slit processing in Rengo's cellophane manufacturing into polysaccharide esters
• DKS's low-CO2 esterification technology cuts emissions by 68% versus a conventional process, per company estimate
• The resulting material can be formed into transparent moulded products via heating and compression moulding
• DKS's Tatsuya Namba said the company plans to advance commercialisation and application development

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