#Japan #Tokyo #FANCL #Chemical Recycling #PET Resin

FANCL's Vision for Sustainable Plastic Recycling

FANCL Corporation is spearheading an innovative initiative that transcends industry boundaries to pioneer the use of non-food PET in chemical recycling. This collaboration includes eight significant players: Kirin Holdings, JEPLAN, TDK Corporation, Murata Manufacturing, Kao Corporation, Kirin Beverage, Pet Refine Technology, and Asahi Soft Drink. The primary objective of this partnership is to enhance the recycling process of beverage PET bottles by integrating non-food PET materials as a raw ingredient.

This initiative marks a groundbreaking development in Japan, as it is the first to incorporate non-food PET into the newly established chemical recycling operations specifically aimed at beverage containers. The method of chemical recycling involves breaking down PET to a molecular level, allowing for the removal of impurities such as colors and metals. This process ensures that the recycled PET matches the quality of virgin petroleum-derived products.

Addressing Plastic Resource Challenges

The motivation behind this project is to tackle an urgent challenge in existing recycling practices. Historically, recycling efforts have fallen short of achieving a fully circular economy for plastics. By expanding the input materials to include non-food applications, FANCL and its partners aim to significantly increase resource circulation in the plastic industry.

The first step in this process involves utilizing post-consumer beverage PET bottles alongside non-food applications such as industrial films, cosmetic bottles, and sample products from vending machines. For instance, TDK and Murata Manufacturing will provide scraps from industrial PET films used in electronic component production. Meanwhile, FANCL and Kao will collect used cosmetic bottles directly from retail stores.

Kirin Beverage will contribute product samples that become surplus during vending machine inventory changes. These sources will enhance the recycling stream, which Pet Refine Technology will utilize to conduct the chemical recycling process, thus preparing high-quality recycled PET for further utilization.

Evaluating Quality and Adoption

Following the completion of the recycling process, the quality of the recycled PET will undergo evaluations by the participating companies. Kirin Beverage is set to integrate this recycled material into a portion of its beverage PET bottles starting this April. Similarly, Kao plans to commence production using this material in cosmetic bottles from May onwards. Additionally, Asahi Beverages is targeting adoption for later this October.

This collaborative process has been fostered by previous joint efforts towards horizontal recycling of PET resins among the involved companies. JEPLAN's proprietary CR technology, paired with safety evaluation methodologies suggested by Kirin's Package Innovation Research Institute led by Akihiko Matsuda, forms the backbone of this venture. The goal is to establish a comprehensive safety assessment and ensure the effectiveness of the recycling initiatives.

A Commitment to Green Practices

FANCL and its allies share a commitment to enhancing the effective use of waste plastics and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The alignment of efforts amongst these companies signifies a robust future direction for sustainable practices in the plastic recycling sphere.

As this initiative progresses, it not only opens up new avenues for recycling technology but also sets a precedent for other industries to follow suit. The collaboration showcases how corporate responsibility can lead to meaningful change in environmental sustainability, paving the way for innovations that can reshape the world of plastics forever.