Rengo and Sumitomo Forestry have launched a joint venture in Japan aimed at advancing second-generation bioethanol production and strengthening wood chip procurement operations.
The company, RS Wood Refinery CO., LTD., was established in Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, within the premises of Taiko Paper Mfg., Ltd., following a collaboration announced by the two companies in 2025.
According to Rengo, the joint venture will support commercialization efforts for second-generation bioethanol while reinforcing the group’s raw material sourcing network and deepening cooperation with Sumitomo Forestry.
The venture will focus on wood chip procurement and bioethanol production, reflecting broader efforts within the forest products sector to develop renewable fuels and expand the use of lignocellulosic biomass.
RS Wood Refinery has a capital base of 5 million yen. Rengo holds a 66% ownership stake in the company, while Sumitomo Forestry owns the remaining 34%.
Tamotsu Maeda has been appointed representative director and president of the joint venture.
The project aligns with growing interest across the pulp, paper and forestry industries in biomass-based energy solutions as companies seek to reduce emissions and diversify the use of wood-derived resources.
Rengo manufactures packaging, paperboard, corrugated products and flexible packaging materials, with operations in Japan and overseas.
Sumitomo Forestry operates in forestry, wood products, construction and biomass-related businesses globally.
