Thursday 31 August 2023

ALIPAY+ PARTNERS WITH PAYNET TO PROMOTE SEAMLESS PAYMENT FOR INBOUND AND OUTBOUND MALAYSIAN TRAVELLERS




  • The partnership will expand cross-border payments acceptance at 1.8 million merchants in Malaysia with five leading Asian e-wallets as the first batch, and more to come in the following months
  • The partnership will enable all Malaysian mobile banking apps and e-wallets supported by PayNet to be accepted by Alipay+ merchants network globally
  • Both parties will also collaborate on Alipay+ advanced tourism marketing solutions to make it easy and comfortable to travel globally
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- More Asian travellers to Malaysia will enjoy a seamless digital payment experience at over 1.8 million merchants across the country while Malaysian residents will be able to pay with e-wallets of their home country abroad, thanks to a MOU signed recently between Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) and Ant Group.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230829007258/en/
 
By the end of this year, users of five leading Asian e-wallets, including AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), GCash (Philippines), Kakao Pay (South Korea) and TrueMoney (Thailand), will be able to use cashless payments when they travel to Malaysia with Alipay+, the global cross-border digital payments and marketing solutions operated by Ant Group, by scanning DuitNow QR. More e-wallets are expected to join in the coming months.

DuitNow QR is Malaysia's National QR Standard operated by PayNet that allows merchants to accept real-time payments from customers of different participating banks and e-wallet operators using a unified QR code.

The partnership will enable all Malaysian e-wallets supported by PayNet to be accepted by Alipay+ merchants network globally in 2024.

Beyond payments, Ant Group and PayNet will also collaborate on joint digital marketing efforts to enhance visibility of businesses directly within the users’ e-wallets.

Gary Yeoh, Chief Commercial Officer of PayNet, said: "This partnership between PayNet and Alipay+ is forged at a vital time when overseas travel and tourism have fully resumed, and rapidly increasing. Consumers and merchants in both countries who are already accustomed to digital payments expect the same seamless and hassle-free experience when travelling overseas. They also expect this to be conducted at competitive exchange rates. This collaboration will address both these needs. Since Malaysia has long been a favourite and popular destination with Asian tourists, and vice-versa, this collaboration will likely result in higher trade growth between the two nations. We do see the proliferation of seamless international payments at scale sooner than we think. It is just a matter of time."

The collaboration comes amidst travel recovery to Malaysia, with 4.5 million tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2023, with most coming from ASEAN countries. Malaysia is expected to achieve its target of 16.1 million tourist arrivals in 2023 and generate more than RM49 billion in tourism revenue¹. As travel rebounds, it is vital for businesses to adapt to new digital habits, particularly the acceptance of localised digital payment options like e-wallets, which has become the norm for day-to-day transactions. Southeast Asian users will continue to drive the use of QR code payments, which is expected to grow 590% by 2028². Other Asian countries like South Korea will also see accelerated adoption³.

Dr Cherry Huang, General Manager of Alipay+ Offline Merchant Services, Ant Group, said: “Alipay+’s collaboration with PayNet is a significant development for regional travellers. We are jointly making efforts to bring local businesses and international visitors closer together, offering not just convenience to tourists but greater opportunities and visibility for Malaysian businesses. Travellers today have greater expectations when they travel, particularly the use of digital solutions to enhance their experience. They want it to be simpler, with less complexity and less hassle, and in working with our local partners, this is exactly what we want to achieve – personalised, seamless and borderless experiences.”

Alipay+ is a suite of global cross-border digital payments and marketing solutions designed to enable businesses, especially small and medium-sized businesses, to process a wide range of mobile payment methods and reach more than 1 billion regional and global consumers, through one-time integration and simple technical adaption. In addition to Malaysia, Alipay+ is also widely accepted in destinations including the Chinese mainland, Macao SAR, Singapore, Thailand, Japan and South Korea among others.

As for PayNet, this would be yet another successful cross-border collaboration after Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. These interlinkages connect a sizeable portion of digital payments customers in ASEAN, which is one of the most active digital payments markets in the world.

About PayNet

Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) is the national payments network and central financial infrastructure for Malaysia with the vision to empower Malaysia's digital economy. Our extensive retail payments suite, DuitNow (QR and P2P), JomPAY (Bill Payments), FPX (Online), MyDebit (Domestic Debit), MEPS (ATM), and IBG (Interbank GIRO) has near ubiquitous coverage across the nation and is part of the daily fabric of life in Malaysia. In addition, PayNet’s real time retail QR payments network, DuitNow, is also interoperable with domestic schemes in Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia to enable seamless cross-border transactions with those countries.

PayNet is committed to promoting a secure, efficient, and innovative payments ecosystem in Malaysia, and works closely with its stakeholders to develop new products and services that meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses.

For more information, please visit www.paynet.my.

Learn more at: https://paynet.my/about-paynet.html

About DuitNow

Learn more at: https://www.duitnow.my/index.html

About Ant Group

Ant Group aims to create the infrastructure and platform to support the digital transformation of the service industry. It strives to enable all consumers and small and micro businesses to have equal access to financial and other services that are inclusive, green and sustainable.

Ant Group is the owner and operator of Alipay, the leading digital payment platform in China serving hundreds of millions of users, and connecting them with merchants and partner financial institutions that offer inclusive financial services and digital daily life services such as food delivery, transport, entertainment, and healthcare.

Ant Group has further introduced Alipay+, which provides global cross-border mobile payments and marketing solutions that connect merchant partners, especially small and medium-sized businesses, with mobile payments and other payment methods, for them to better serve their users and customers from all over the world.

About Alipay+

Alipay+ offers unified global mobile payment and marketing solutions that connect merchants with multiple e-wallets and payment methods from different countries and regions by collaborating with global partners. Consumers can conveniently use their preferred local payment methods while transacting seamlessly in a different market and be able to enjoy marketing offers by the merchants through Alipay+. Alipay+ is developed by Ant Group, the owner and operator of Alipay, one of the world’s leading digital open platforms. 

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Wednesday 30 August 2023

STARR NAMES SEAN CHEN CEO OF STARR SINGAPORE



Sean Chen, CEO of Starr Singapore (Photo: Business Wire)

Sean Chen, CEO of Starr Singapore (Photo: Business Wire)


NEW YORK, Aug 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starr Insurance today announced that Sean Chen, a 14-year member of Starr’s global team, has been named chief executive officer of Starr International Insurance (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Starr Singapore), effective August 28.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230829271989/en/
 
Sean most recently served as Starr’s regional manager for Korea, Taiwan and Japan for property, energy and construction. He previously served as a senior property underwriter in Starr’s Hong Kong office. Including his time at Starr, Sean has more than 25 years of underwriting and client relations experience on both the insurance carrier and broker sides of the business.

“We’re fortunate to have an executive of Sean’s caliber, with extensive underwriting experience, to help us grow our presence in Asia,” said Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman and CEO of Starr Insurance. “Sean’s advancement underscores Starr’s strength as a place where people can thrive along with the company.”

Sean succeeds Phil Finley as CEO of Starr Singapore. Phil recently moved to Thailand as CEO of Starr International Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, to oversee the expansion of that important new venture for Starr while continuing to lead Starr’s Asia operations as president, Asia Pacific Region.

About Starr Insurance

Starr Insurance (or Starr) is a marketing name for the operating insurance and travel assistance companies and subsidiaries of Starr International Company, Inc. and for the investment business of C. V. Starr & Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries. Starr is a leading insurance and investment organization with a presence on six continents; through its operating insurance companies, Starr provides property, casualty, and accident and health insurance products as well as a range of specialty coverages including aviation, marine, energy and excess casualty insurance. Starr’s insurance company subsidiaries domiciled in the U.S., Bermuda, China, Hong Kong, Malta, Singapore, Switzerland and U.K. each have an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent). Starr’s Lloyd’s syndicate has a Standard & Poor’s rating of “A+” (Strong).

Visit us at www.starrcompanies.com or follow us LinkedIn and Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230829271989/en/


Contact

Charlie Armstrong
Vice President, Marketing
charlie.armstrong@starrcompanies.com, 646.758.8308

Source : Starr Insurance Companies

ISETAN MITSUKOSHI HOLDINGS AND NOMURA REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT HOLD GRAND OPENING CEREMONY ON JULY 21 FOR "MITSUKOSHI BGC," COMMERCIAL FACILITY IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES

TOKYO, Aug. 29, 2023 /Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/ --

Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. and Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., both based in Tokyo, held a grand opening ceremony on July 21 for "MITSUKOSHI BGC," a shopping mall constituting part of a large-scale, mixed-use residential and commercial development project being pursued in partnership with leading Philippine developer Federal Land, Inc., in Manila, Philippines.
 
Images: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202308238345?p=images
 
The ceremony was held in an atmosphere with a touch of Japan's seasonal festival "matsuri." The event included a performance of Japanese drums as well as a performance of Japanese calligraphy. Based on the concept of "NEXT MANILA LIFESTYLE," MITSUKOSHI BGC will continue striving to make the mall a place that enriches daily lives of visitors and residential tower residents.
 
Grand opening remarks
- Toshiyuki Hosoya, Director, President and CEO, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings
"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone for their efforts in this project. This year marks the 350th anniversary of Mitsukoshi. Since its founding in 1673, Mitsukoshi has continued innovation to enrich daily lives of our customers. Our policy is characterized by two features: hospitality (customer-first principle) and partnership (win-win relationship), and in the Philippines, we will maintain this business philosophy for our customers and business partners. I am certain that a new sensation takes hold as you visit MITSUKOSHI BGC after enjoying a shopping experience at Mitsukoshi and Isetan department stores in Japan. I hope you will share our belief that we are proposing a culture, not products."
 
- Eiji Kutsukake, Chair and Director of Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc.
"We participated in this project as I was fascinated by the encounter in 2015 with Mr. Alfred V. Ty and his passion for the project as well as the growing power of the Philippines, and we have worked on the project with a belief that our knowledge and know-how cultivated in Japan can be applied overseas. I am pleased with this project in the Philippines; for example, we finally held a grand opening ceremony after eight years of effort; we won multiple awards for our residential project in the last few years; sales of the last residential tower started and are progressing steadily. We will endeavor to enable MITSUKOSHI BGC to establish a unique position as a Japanese entity, to gain familiarity among locals, and to contribute extensively to the development of BGC and other areas across the Philippines."
 
For more details about grand opening activities, visit:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202308238345-O1-36DZHKvB.pdf
 
About the facility:
https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202308238345-O2-aD3QY6Li.pdf
 
Official websites
Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings: https://www.imhds.co.jp/en/index.html
 
Nomura Real Estate Development: https://www.nomura-re.co.jp/english/
 
 
Source: Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd., Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd.  

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Monday 28 August 2023

H&H GROUP ACHIEVES ROBUST DOUBLE-DIGIT TOP-LINE GROWTH IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2023, SETTING THE GROUP UP FOR A POSITIVE GROWTH OUTLOOK FOR THE FULL YEAR


LONDON, Aug 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading global family nutrition company, Health and Happiness (H&H) International Holdings Limited (HKSE: 1112), has announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023, delivering double-digit top-line growth to place the Group on a strong trajectory for the remainder of the year.

  • The Group achieved revenue growth of 17.2% on a reported and like-for-like (“LFL”) basis and positive EBITDA margin across each of its three strategic business pillars, as well as healthy profitability and cash flow
  • High-margin and fast-growing nutritional supplements across three business pillars have become the largest revenue contributor, making up 60.1% of the Group’s total revenue
  • Adult Nutrition and Care (ANC) segment has now become the Group’s largest growth contributor delivering revenue growth of 43.2% on a LFL basis, led by a strong first half for Swisse which celebrated surpassing AUD$1billion in global sales1
  • Baby Nutrition and Care (BNC) segment confined to low single-digit sales decline (-2.1% on a LFL basis) amid strong market headwinds, partly offset by growth in Biostime paediatric probiotic and nutritional supplements
  • Pet Nutrition and Care (PNC) segment delivered strong revenue growth of 21.4% on a LFL basis, with Zesty Paws officially recognised as the no.1 Brand of Pet Supplements in the US2
  • The Group has further improved its net leverage to 3.40x (30 June 2023) and remains on track to deleverage its balance sheet in the coming years
  • Furthered sustainability progress, including submitting science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), to continue to drive long-term growth with impact
  • Maintained stable dividend pay-out ratio of 50% consistent with the previous periods
The full media release can be viewed here

1 Swisse, Total Net Revenue (Global), AUD, LTM 30 June 2023
2 Source Euromonitor International Limited; Pet Supplements category as per Passport Ecommerce. All channels included, excluding vets, value sales in RSP, more info at https://zestypaws.com/pages/claim


Contact: hhgroup@thephagroup.com

SOURCE : H&H Group

Saturday 26 August 2023

AI-Media Unveils Groundbreaking AI-Powered LEXI Captioning Tool Kit

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- AI-Media, a provider of captioning technology and infrastructure, has unveiled its groundbreaking AI-Powered LEXI Captioning Tool Kit.

According to AI-Media in a statement, this comprehensive collection of automated captioning solutions marks a new era in the industry, combining cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to meet the integrated needs of content creators and distributors worldwide.

“Our LEXI Tool Kit is a result of years of research and development, and we are proud to offer a transformative solution that enhances the accessibility and inclusivity of media content," said AI-Media Chief Sales Officer, James Ward.

The AI-Powered LEXI Tool Kit addresses challenges faced by media companies, broadcasters, event producers, educational institutions, as well as other content producers in delivering cost-effective and accurate captions, and subtitles for live and pre-recorded content that can be easily re-used in other customer applications.

The Tool Kit comprises six key solutions each designed to address different captioning needs, enabling the consumer to mix and match key components to suit their business requirements.

The solutions are compatible with its encoder series via the iCap Cloud Network creating the ultimate captioning ecosystem, which consist of LEXI Live Automatic Captioning; LEXI Recorded; LEXI Translate; LEXI DR (Disaster Recovery); LEXI Local and LEXI Library.

Presenting a comprehensive solution to maximise the benefits of captioning and translation, the Tool Kit simplifies customer workflows by providing seamless interoperability as it is fully compatible with AI-Media's best-in-class SDI and IP caption encoders.

Founded in Australia in 2003, technology company AI-Media helps the world’s leading broadcasters, enterprises, and government agencies ensure high accuracy, secure and cost-effective captioning via its AI-powered LEXI captioning solution.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday 23 August 2023

THE LYCRA COMPANY LAUNCHES A NEW INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT LYCRA® FITSENSE™ TECHNOLOGY

SHANGHAI, Aug 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The LYCRA Company, a global leader in developing innovative and sustainable fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries, announced an intellectual property enforcement initiative in support of LYCRA® FitSense technology.

LYCRA® FitSense Technology is an aqueous dispersion of the LYCRA® brand polymer which can be printed onto fabrics and garments to give a localized power boost, resulting in shaping and compression benefits. It has been successfully adopted by both local China and leading international brands and retailers.

This printable form of LYCRA® brand technology is supported by a global patent portfolio related to print technologies that modify garments for shaping purposes through altering stress-strain properties of fabrics. LYCRA® FitSense technology also benefits from trademark protection.

The technology is used primarily in garments such as shapewear, activewear, swimwear, intimate apparel, and leggings, where lightweight single-layer printed fabrics can give the benefits normally associated with double layer or heavy fabrics, resulting in fewer materials being used. This breakthrough technology enables better garment construction, redefining garments for today’s consumers with lightweight, targeted support.

“As the benefits of LYCRA® FitSense technology are significant, we are beginning to see products that are attempting to replicate our offering,” said Vincent Hu, vice president of Asia, apparel, and president of the APAC region. “Given our ownership of the intellectual property for this unique technology, it is appropriate that we exercise our rights to take the necessary legal action to deal with infringers.”

The LYCRA Company owns numerous patents and patent applications related to the use of aqueous polyurethane dispersions and such patents cover the composition of matter, production method, application, and benefits of this technology. “This means that producing in, or shipping and/or selling any fabric or garments into China, the U.S.A., or other countries where The LYCRA Company holds patents over these technologies, is restricted to The LYCRA Company and its customers or other legitimate users of its technology,” said Catherine Spicer, chief legal officer of The LYCRA Company. “We have recently engaged expert legal counsel based in Shanghai to identify infringers of LYCRA® FitSense technology. We intend to use all available means to deal with those who infringe upon our patents and intellectual property.”

This new intellectual property enforcement initiative for LYCRA® FitSense technology builds off previous successful enforcements by The LYCRA Company, most recently in the denim industry in China linked to LYCRA® dualFX® technology. The LYCRA Company holds in excess of 950 patents with almost 80 granted or filed in 2022 and treats intellectual property development as a core tenet of its long-term business strategy.

The LYCRA Company encourages any customers who have questions about LYCRA® FitSense technology or related patents to contact their local company representative or email at communications@lycra.com.

About The LYCRA Company

The LYCRA Company innovates and produces fiber and technology solutions for the apparel and personal care industries and owns leading consumer and trade brands: LYCRA®, LYCRA HyFit®, LYCRA® T400®, COOLMAX®, THERMOLITE®, ELASPAN®, SUPPLEX®, and TACTEL®. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, The LYCRA Company is recognized worldwide for its innovative products, technical expertise, sustainable solutions, marketing support, and LYCRA ONE™ marketplace. The LYCRA Company focuses on adding value to its customers’ products by developing unique innovations designed to meet the consumer’s need for comfort and lasting performance. For more information, visit lycra.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230822721926/en/

Contact

Keyra Chen
keyra.chen@lycra.com

Source : The LYCRA Company

Friday 18 August 2023

HENRY GOLDING INVITED BY HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD TO UNCOVER CITY'S HIDDEN GEMS



KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) invited international actor Henry Golding to embark on an exhilarating trip in Hong Kong, this summer.

Golding, who rose to fame in 2018 starring in Crazy Rich Asians, explored and recommended popular attractions and hidden gems in the city to global audience, through his perspective.

“Hong Kong has truly captured my heart. What I love most about the city is the pure diversity. Everybody says Hong Kong is such a melting pot of all of Asia, and it truly is.

“Every corner, every moment on the street is such a mix of old and new, from the buildings to the people, and to all walks of life. Hong Kong is so unique and unlike elsewhere of the world,” said the Malaysian English superstar about re-visiting the energetic city.

Embarking from the comfort of his hotel suite overseeing the breathtaking skyline of Victoria Harbour, Golding blazed through Hong Kong's iconic landmarks and hidden treasures in a flash, all within his tightly packed schedule.

According to HKTB in a statement, he embraced the diverse array of experiences that Hong Kong has to offer, indulging in delectable meals at luxurious restaurants, as well as immersing himself in the city's rich cultural heritage at temples and traditional barber shops.

As Golding ventured, he engaged in heartfelt exchanges with the locals, eagerly shared his reflections on the trip and invited travellers to uncover the off-the-beaten-path gems and unique offerings that make Hong Kong an unforgettable destination.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday 16 August 2023

NEXT-GEN FIRE SERVICE OUTER SHELL FABRIC LAUNCH AT AFAC 2023

BRISBANE, Australia, Aug 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- TenCate Protective Fabrics, a global leader in protective textile technology, has announced the Asia-Pacific (APAC) launch of its groundbreaking fire service outer shell, PBI® Peak5, at the AFAC emergency response conference in Brisbane on 22 August 2023.

Recognized as a must-see event for the Australian / New Zealand fire and emergency services industry, the 2023 AFAC conference serves as the ideal platform for the flame-resistant textile maker to introduce PBI® Peak5 to key stakeholders, experts, and industry professionals in the APAC region.

The primary highlight of PBI® Peak5 is its lightweight 180gsm (5.3osy) construction which delivers increased levels of comfort and maneuverability for firefighters. Moreover, the integration of patented Enforce® technology enhances its strength, making PBI® Peak5 extremely durable.

TenCate Protective Fabrics representatives will be present at the Brisbane conference to showcase the new outer shell and provide insights into the advanced technology behind its development.

Michael Laton, VP of Global Strategy and Innovation at TenCate Protective Fabrics, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch, stating, "PBI® Peak5 represents a significant leap in protective fabric technology for the fire service industry. We are thrilled to launch this groundbreaking outer shell in the APAC region, where the demand for high-performance firefighting gear is ever present.”

Engineered to meet the specific needs of emergency response professionals, PBI® Peak5 sets new benchmarks for lightweight comfort, flexibility, and unparalleled durability. Visit TenCate Protective Fabrics during the 2023 AFAC conference in Brisbane to experience PBI® Peak5 fabric in person, or learn more at the company’s website.

About TenCate Protective Fabrics

As the leading global producer of protective fabrics, TenCate Protective Fabrics enables millions of people worldwide to be great at what they do. Generations of industry professionals throughout industrial safety, fire, healthcare, military, and police rely on our fabrics for safety, comfort, and confidence. To learn more, visit tencatefabrics.com 

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Wednesday 2 August 2023

CONAGEN AND SUMITOMO CHEMICAL JOINTLY DEVELOP A NEW ERA OF RENEWABLE CARBON MATERIALS

Bedford, Mass., Aug 1 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Conagen, the bioplatform innovator and biomanufacturer, and Sumitomo Chemical, Japan's leading chemical company, have announced to jointly develop p-hydroxystyrene (HS) and its polymer, poly p-hydroxystyrene (PHS), using a combination of biosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and polymerization. The monomer and the polymer are 100% renewable carbon, marking a new era of sustainable production.

Developing PHS using a combination of biosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and polymerization represents a significant breakthrough in sustainable material production. Efforts to reduce reliance on petroleum and transition towards renewable and sustainable alternatives have gained momentum in recent years. With renewable biomass as the starting material, this joint devolvement between Conagen and Sumitomo Chemical creates an environmentally friendly and cost-effective product. The partnership is in the lead position of active global initiatives to reduce petroleum-based products' consumption and environmental impact.

This partnership represents a significant milestone in developing sustainable materials, and this approach to PHS production is expected to reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional chemical synthesis methods. It is a crucial step towards more sustainable manufacturing processes with a positive impact.

The Conagen-Sumitomo partnership leverages Conagen's expertise in microbial strain design and development with Sumitomo Chemical's proficiency in chemical production and commercialization. The collaboration aims to create a platform that enables the production of sustainable chemicals to replace petrochemicals in an extended range of many applications.

PHS is used to produce polymers, resins, and other chemicals. The monomer HS can also be used as an input for the synthesis of other substances, such as pharmaceuticals and fragrances. The applications of HS and PHS are limitless and can span uses from electronics to personal care and other consumer products.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in pursuing green chemicals for sustainable material production," said J. McNamara, Ph.D., V.P. of chemical applications at Conagen. "Our commitment is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential of combining our technologies with synthetic and polymer chemistries to create innovative, sustainable solutions that can significantly reduce petroleum-based products in the environment," McNamara stated. “Together, we’re marking a new era of carbon-neutral material production efforts."

The monomer HS, with the chemical formula C8H8O, is a derivative of styrene in which a hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to the aromatic ring's para position (carbon atom 4). The HS and PHS are examples of green chemistry for minimizing waste, reducing hazardous chemicals, and using catalysts that can be easily separated and reused. This joint development project promises to potentially pave the way for developing novel renewable and sustainable materials. “Similar technology can be used to produce other key chemical ingredients by fermentation at industrial scale, such as cinnamic acid, monohydroxy-benzoic acid, and dihydroxy-benzoic acid,” said McNamara.

###

About Conagen

Conagen is making the impossible possible. It is a product-focused, synthetic biology R&D company with large-scale manufacturing service capabilities. Its proprietary strain development, fermentation, and scale-up technologies enhance our partners' sales, production, and profitability across a broad spectrum of current and developing markets in food, beverage, nutrition, flavor and fragrance, pharmaceutical, and renewable materials.

About Sumitomo Chemical

Sumitomo Chemical is Japan's leading chemical company, with a global presence in the chemicals, petrochemicals, and plastics industries. The company is committed to sustainability and has a product portfolio contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Top of Form 

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