Japan's First Development of Monofilament from Recycled PET Bottle Caps

Japan Yamamura Glass Co., headquartered in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, has achieved a significant milestone in sustainability by introducing Japan's first-ever monofilament made from recycled PET bottle caps. This innovative material, which includes polyethylene and polypropylene versions, is the result of a collaborative effort with TRIFE DESIGN and Innovex. The collaboration is part of an initiative that emphasizes a circular economy model by upcycling through all domestic processes.

Features of the Developed Monofilament

The new monofilament is designed to contribute to local economic revitalization and the achievement of a sustainable society, boasting several key features:

- First in Japan: The development of this product utilizing recycled materials marks a pioneering achievement.
- Closed-loop Recycling Process: By maintaining the entire recycling process within Japan, this initiative minimizes transportation costs and environmental impact.
- Cost-effective Development: The absence of injection molding allows for lower initial costs in product development, making the process more accessible.

Made from the raw material of PET bottle caps, the monofilament is expected to find applications in various products and industries.

The Roles of the Companies Involved

The collaboration of these three companies highlights each organization's strengths:

- TRIFE DESIGN: They oversee the overall direction and design of the project.
- Yamamura Glass: The company specializes in recycling discarded PET bottle caps into usable raw materials (pelletizing).
- Innovex: They are responsible for manufacturing the monofilament from the recycled pellets of PET bottle caps.

Yamamura Glass leverages its extensive experience in the domain of PET bottle caps to ensure effective material sorting and cleaning—critical steps for producing the necessary recycled pellets. The expertise in these areas positions the company as a central player in material recycling.

A Commitment to Circular Economy

Founded in 1914, Yamamura Glass has committed itself to the spirit of contributing to the realization of a circular economy. The company's plastic division focuses on transforming PET bottle caps into valuable products, with a vision to create a sustainable future through plastic innovation. Their efforts aim to continue pushing boundaries in enriching future possibilities through effective recycling practices.

About TRIFE DESIGN

TRIFE DESIGN believes in showcasing the societal significance of brands and companies. Focusing on circular design, they engage in environmental projects centered around plastics.

About Innovex

Innovex is a manufacturer and supplier of resin processing materials. The company utilizes its developed technologies and intellectual assets to provide new products and services beyond the resin processing sector.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please contact:

Japan Yamamura Glass Co.,
Plastic Company Earth Care Promotion Group
Tel: 06-4300-6300
Email: [email protected]
Or use the contact form on our website: Yamamura Inquiry

This innovative approach to product development showcases how industries can collaborate to support sustainability while enriching local economies. As these organizations continue to innovate, the monofilament stands as a testament to Japan's dedication to a sustainable and circular future.