Construction of "Advanced Production Development Building" to research and develop advanced production technology for microalgae such as Euglena
-By promoting further technological innovation, we will promote the response to diversifying needs-

Euglena Co., Ltd.

　Euglena Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Mitsuru Izumo, hereinafter Euglena) is located on the premises of Yaeyama Sangyo Co., Ltd. of the Euglena group in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture. , We are pleased to announce the construction of the "Advanced Production Development Building" for research and development of advanced production technology for microalgae such as Euglena.

　The "Advanced Production Development Building" is a facility whose main purpose is to develop new production technology for microalgae centered on Euglena (scientific name: Euglena). Specifically, in addition to the development of a production method for Euglena, which contains a high amount of specific substances according to the purpose, such as high value-added substances such as paramylon, which is a functional component peculiar to Euglena, and lipids that can be used as fuel, etc. We will work on the development of technology for commercial production of new microalgae and the construction of an efficient production system by automating the production of microalgae.
　In addition, we have already standardized the Euglena "Euglena Glacilis EX55" containing 55% or more of paramylon * (August 2017), and with the construction of this "advanced production development building", We aim to newly standardize Euglena-related materials, further expand the use of microalgae, and improve production efficiency.
　Construction will start in early September 2017, and full-scale operation is scheduled for August 2018. After full-scale operation, some commercial production of "Euglena Glaciris EX55" and microalgae using the technology developed after operation will be carried out. It is expected to continue. * A quality standard that can be supplied in a commercially stable manner has been established.

　The Euglena group will realize lower production costs and demand due to the rapid growth of the Euglena market by promoting further technological innovation in research and development and production related to microalgae by constructing the "advanced production development building". We will promote expansion and respond to diversifying customer needs.
　The details are as follows.

Figure: Completion image of "Advanced Production Development Building"

About "Advanced Production Development Building"

■ New location: Yaeyama Shokusan Co., Ltd. Ishigaki Factory (Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture)
■ Construction plan: Start of construction September 1, 2017 (planned)
　　　　　　Completion July 31, 2018 (planned)
　　　　　　Start of operation August 1, 2018 (planned)
■ Implementation details: Development of production method of Euglena containing high content of specific substances according to the purpose, development of technology for commercial production of new microalgae, automation of microalgae production
　　　　　　Construction of an efficient production system, etc.
■ Investment amount: Approximately 600 million yen (including peripheral equipment other than culture equipment)

<About Euglena>
Euglena (scientific name: Euglena) is a type of microalgae that has the characteristics of both plants and animals and contains abundant types of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals in a well-balanced manner. In 2005, Euglena Co., Ltd. succeeded in outdoor commercial mass culture for the first time in the world.

<About paramylon>
It is a functional component of the microalgae Euglena (Japanese name: Euglena), and is β-1,3-glucan, which is a type of β-glucan (carbohydrate), which is a polysaccharide. In recent years, research on functionality has progressed, and it is expected to be used in the healthcare field such as food and cosmetics.

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-Contact for inquiries from the press-
Euglena Co., Ltd. Public Relations and IR Division