Marubeni Corporation - Memorandum of Understanding Regarding the Development of a Bio-based Products and Renewable Energy Business in Thailand
January 24, 2022 at 09:50 am EST
Share
Marubeni Thailand Co., Ltd (hereinafter, 'Marubeni Thailand') which is a wholly-owned corporate subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation (hereinafter, 'Marubeni') and Mitr Phol Sugar Corp., Ltd., which is World Class Sugar Producer have signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the related businesses of bio-based products (1) and renewable energy in the Kingdom of Thailand.
The purpose of this MOU is to develop raw materials for the manufacture and sales of bio-based wrapping, packaging and food container products by utilizing all the agricultural-derived resources, including agricultural residues, owned by Mitr Phol, which is the largest sugar manufacturing company in Thailand, and also to develop and introduce renewable energy.
Based on this MOU, Marubeni Thailand and Mitr Phol will consider the realization of such various decarbonized businesses as fossil fuel-based plastics reduction through bio-based product development and the introduction of renewable energy by utilizing Marubeni Group's knowledge, technology, and sales network, together with Mitr Phol's economic advantages on fully integrated agribusiness model and innovative technology. Furthermore, Marubeni Thailand and Mitr Phol will also contribute to the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy (2) which is an important policy of the Thai government.
As background, with abundant resources for bio-technology Thailand has created a national strategic model. Thailand's government is encouraging technological innovation, aiming for improved productivity and promoting high-value added products by focusing on the following 4 areas, while recognizes the importance of biodiversity and cultural diversity: (1) food and agriculture, (2) medical and health care, (3) bio-energy, materials and chemicals and (4) tourism and the creative economy.
Marubeni Corporation is a diversified group organized primarily around 12 business segments:
- sale of agricultural products and related services (47% of net sales): sale of agricultural inputs (crop protection products, fertilizers, seeds, etc.), precision farming services, formulation of crop protection products, export of cereals and oilseeds, etc.;
- sale of food products (17.6%);
- production and distribution of oil, gas, alternative energy and electricity (10.4%);
- production of chemicals and petrochemicals (6.4%);
- production of metals and mineral resources (4.9%);
- sale and financing of industrial and construction machinery and equipment (4.6%). The group also develops car sales and tire distribution activities;
- sales of consumer electronics (4.3%). In addition, the group develops real estate development and management activities;
- sale of forest products (2.3%): wood chips and biomass fuel, pulp and waste paper, paper, paperboard, hygiene products, building & construction materials and wood products;
- sale of apparel, accessories, textile and lifestyle products (1.1%);
- management and operation of aircraft and ships (1%);
- development of energy production units and industrial installations (0.3%);
- finance and leasing (0.1%): auto finance, aircraft leasing, aircraft engine leasing, leasing and renting of refrigerated trailers, commercial vehicles and commercial freight railcars, etc.
Net sales are distributed geographically as follows: Japan (37.2%), the United States (42.5%)