When did the joint research start?

The project officially began in April 2026, and cultivation trials are currently underway.

Why is recycling potassium important?

Japan relies heavily on imported fertilizer materials, so domestic alternatives are crucial for supply stability.

What crops are used in the cultivation trials?

Tomatoes are currently the main test crop, with plans to expand to others in the future.

When will this technology be commercialized?

Pilot-scale commercialization is expected to begin after 2027.

How does this benefit the local community?

It aims to build a regional circular economy model through collaboration with local farmers.

Upcycling Unused Potassium Components into Fertilizer

Published Aug 4, 2026 7:00 PM ・ Updated Aug 4, 2026 11:20 AM ・ 5 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

Yokkaichi Gosei, a subsidiary of Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku, has launched a joint research project with Shizuoka University to convert unused potassium byproducts from manufacturing processes into agricultural fertilizer, aiming to enhance resource circulation and reduce reliance on imported raw materials.

Yokkaichi Gosei Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture; President: Takuya Shutou), a group company of Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Minami-ku, Kyoto City; President: Naoki Yamaji), has initiated a joint research project with Shizuoka University Corporation (Headquarters: Shizuoka City; President: Yasuyuki Imai) starting April 2026. The project focuses on the effective utilization of potassium components generated during manufacturing processes, academically and technically evaluating their potential as fertilizer.

As part of this joint research※1, cultivation trials are currently underway, assessing crop yield, quality, and other parameters.

Yokkaichi Gosei is redefining potassium byproducts from its production lines as underutilized resources and advancing their upcycling into fertilizer raw materials. This initiative is expected to provide domestic alternatives to fertilizer feedstocks that currently rely heavily on imports, thereby stabilizing supply and reducing procurement risks.

Moving forward, the company will continue collaborative research and validation with academic institutions, aiming not only to reduce environmental impact through advanced resource recycling but also to create new business opportunities by partnering with agriculture and related industries.

※1 Department of Physical Chemistry, Department of Environmental Life Sciences, Faculty of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Assistant Professor Masahiro Tokimura et al.

Yokkaichi Gosei Co., Ltd. (https://yg-chem.co.jp/) 2-1, Miyahigashi-cho, Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture

Tomatoes harvested from cultivation trials

As a member of the Yokkaichi Petrochemical Complex, Yokkaichi Gosei operates under the corporate philosophy of “refining fine chemical synthesis technologies to efficiently and swiftly deliver attractive products that satisfy our customers,” developing a wide range of products.

[Inquiries regarding this release]

Public and Investor Relations Division, Strategy Headquarters, Administration Headquarters Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.

TEL. 075-276-3027 E-mail: [email protected]

Corporate Website: https://www.dks-web.co.jp

48-2, Higashikujo Ushioda-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City, 601-8002

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: Partnership

Upcycling Unused Potassium Components into Fertilizer

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