Revolutionary Material Recycling Technology for Automotive Interiors Launches in Japan
Refinverse Group, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has made a significant breakthrough in material recycling technologies, becoming the first in the world to convert leftover automotive interior materials into a newly developed recycled material named "REOCA" (RE=REFINVERSE, OCA=Optimized Compound for Asphalt). This pioneering material will be available for purchase starting December 8.
The cutting process for automotive interior materials generates a considerable amount of scrap, estimated to be around 140,000 tons globally and 16,000 tons within Japan annually. For years, much of this material has been treated through thermal recovery methods, such as incineration. As these materials are composites made from various substances, separating and recycling them has been challenging, leading to their classification as "waste that is difficult to reuse".
Refinverse Group has been committed to promoting the circular economy for over 20 years, working alongside many diverse industries facing waste challenges. Through collaboration with Toyota Boshoku and support from its investor, Inabata Industries, the company successfully developed the world’s first material recycling from automotive interior materials into an asphalt modifier. This innovation provides new value to what was previously discarded and connects "automotive interiors" to "future roads", achieving a broader "Car to Car" circular model.
By adding just 0.2% of "REOCA" to asphalt, the durability is enhanced by approximately 2.3 times compared to conventional modified asphalt. With the rapid advancement of autonomous driving technology and the expectation that cars will frequently traverse the same surfaces, there is a growing need for increased durability. The addition of "REOCA" mitigates rutting (deformation from tire passage) significantly and extends pavement lifespans, reducing the frequency of repairs and maintenance costs.
Transitioning from thermal recovery to material recycling reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 90% during the treatment of automotive interior materials. Additionally, using "REOCA" can cut CO2 emissions by around 40% when compared to virgin-based modified asphalt during production.
This dual focus on resource circulation and infrastructure issues positions "REOCA" as a next-generation paving solution with applications across a wide range of areas and uses.
In March 2025, Refinverse Group will conduct a pilot project for parking lot paving using "REOCA" at their Ichinomiya factory. The performance will be continuously evaluated in real-world applications, and six months post-installation, the pavement has shown no deformation or cracking, confirming its high performance.
Refinverse Group plans to gradually expand applications to pavement uses in stores, factories, and logistics hubs while pursuing further technological improvements in material recycling of automotive interior materials. Strengthening collaboration with Toyota Boshoku, the company aims to advance resource circulation projects starting with automotive interiors. Refinverse Group is committed to pushing forward with sustainable material development and innovative recycling technologies to resolve social issues and realize a resource-circulating society.
Refinverse Group champions an innovative perspective and technologies, connecting tomorrow's wealth through circular economy practices initiated over two decades ago. They focus on the reclamation and development of various materials, transforming carpet tiles, leftover fishing nets, and old airbags into high-quality recycled materials. From 2023, they are also embarking on new ventures with materials like feathers, with a dedication to realizing a circular society through business efforts and research.
Background of Development
The cutting process for automotive interior materials generates a considerable amount of scrap, estimated to be around 140,000 tons globally and 16,000 tons within Japan annually. For years, much of this material has been treated through thermal recovery methods, such as incineration. As these materials are composites made from various substances, separating and recycling them has been challenging, leading to their classification as "waste that is difficult to reuse".
Refinverse Group has been committed to promoting the circular economy for over 20 years, working alongside many diverse industries facing waste challenges. Through collaboration with Toyota Boshoku and support from its investor, Inabata Industries, the company successfully developed the world’s first material recycling from automotive interior materials into an asphalt modifier. This innovation provides new value to what was previously discarded and connects "automotive interiors" to "future roads", achieving a broader "Car to Car" circular model.
Features of the Asphalt Modifier "REOCA"
Contribution to Smart Mobility Society
By adding just 0.2% of "REOCA" to asphalt, the durability is enhanced by approximately 2.3 times compared to conventional modified asphalt. With the rapid advancement of autonomous driving technology and the expectation that cars will frequently traverse the same surfaces, there is a growing need for increased durability. The addition of "REOCA" mitigates rutting (deformation from tire passage) significantly and extends pavement lifespans, reducing the frequency of repairs and maintenance costs.
CO2 Emissions Reduction
Transitioning from thermal recovery to material recycling reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 90% during the treatment of automotive interior materials. Additionally, using "REOCA" can cut CO2 emissions by around 40% when compared to virgin-based modified asphalt during production.
This dual focus on resource circulation and infrastructure issues positions "REOCA" as a next-generation paving solution with applications across a wide range of areas and uses.
Pilot Projects
In March 2025, Refinverse Group will conduct a pilot project for parking lot paving using "REOCA" at their Ichinomiya factory. The performance will be continuously evaluated in real-world applications, and six months post-installation, the pavement has shown no deformation or cracking, confirming its high performance.
Future Prospects
Refinverse Group plans to gradually expand applications to pavement uses in stores, factories, and logistics hubs while pursuing further technological improvements in material recycling of automotive interior materials. Strengthening collaboration with Toyota Boshoku, the company aims to advance resource circulation projects starting with automotive interiors. Refinverse Group is committed to pushing forward with sustainable material development and innovative recycling technologies to resolve social issues and realize a resource-circulating society.
About Refinverse Group
Refinverse Group champions an innovative perspective and technologies, connecting tomorrow's wealth through circular economy practices initiated over two decades ago. They focus on the reclamation and development of various materials, transforming carpet tiles, leftover fishing nets, and old airbags into high-quality recycled materials. From 2023, they are also embarking on new ventures with materials like feathers, with a dedication to realizing a circular society through business efforts and research.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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