Joint venture deepens Rengo-Sumitomo partnership as second-generation bioethanol moves toward market.

Biofuel

Rengo and Sumitomo Forestry establish RS Wood Refinery joint venture

Rengo and Sumitomo Forestry establish RS Wood Refinery joint venture

Image: Taiko Paper Mfg.'s second-generation bioethanol demonstration plant / Rengo

Rengo Co., Ltd. has established and started operations for RS Wood Refinery, a joint venture formed with Sumitomo Forestry. The new entity aims to commercialize second-generation bioethanol while strengthening the wood chip procurement system for the Rengo Group.

The joint venture is located within the Taiko Paper Mfg., Ltd. premises in Fuji-shi, Shizuoka, Japan, and is led by Representative Director and President Tamotsu Maeda. Rengo holds a 66% stake in the 5 million yen capital company, with Sumitomo Forestry holding the remaining 34%. The venture's primary business activities include wood chip procurement and bioethanol production.