#Japan #Tokyo #Mitsubishi Chemical #SEED #Refineverse

Groundbreaking Initiative for Contact Lens Waste

In a significant leap towards sustainability, four prominent Japanese companies have begun a pilot project focusing on the chemical recycling of used contact lens blisters, or "empty cases." The companies involved in this initiative include Seed Co., Refineverse Group, Mitsubishi Chemical, and Japan Polypropylene. This joint endeavor is aimed at establishing a circular model that transforms discarded blister packs into new products, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future in the contact lens sector.

Background of the Initiative

Seed Co., a leading manufacturer of contact lenses based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, has been championing recycling efforts since June 2019 with its "BLUE SEED PROJECT," which involves collecting empty cases at retail locations for resource recovery. Through collaboration with numerous facilities nationwide, Seed has successfully collected many empty cases, repurposing them into items like logistic pallets.

Now, the partnership among these four companies seeks to elevate resource circulation further by utilizing chemical recycling methods that will reprocess these waste materials into new blister packs of equivalent quality. This initiative is particularly crucial given the high standards for hygiene and safety surrounding contact lens production.

Overview of the Pilot Project

Starting in October 2025, the companies will explore the construction of a circulation model for used blister cases collected from various facilities—including eye care clinics and contact lens shops. The chemical recycling process will break down these collected items and convert them back into raw materials for the manufacturing of new blister cases. Seed plans to introduce these new, recycled cases as part of its product line in 2027.

To ensure the integrity of this process, a mass balance approach will be employed, wherein a blend of petroleum-derived materials and recycled chemical feedstocks will create the final product. This methodology allows for a transparent tracking of the recycling material flow.

Roles of the Participating Companies

Below is a brief overview of each company’s responsibilities within this innovative project:

• - Seed Co.: Responsible for aggregating empty cases and producing and selling contact lenses using recycled materials.
• - Refineverse Group: Tasked with the collection and initial processing of the empty cases.
• - Mitsubishi Chemical: In charge of the chemical recycling to repurpose empty cases and manufacture necessary chemical products for the process.
• - Japan Polypropylene: Focused on producing and marketing chemical recycled polypropylene products (NOVAORBISTM-CR).

Ensuring Transparency and Certification

This pilot project will be governed by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) standards, specifically adhering to the ISCC PLUS certification. This framework will allow for the tracking and validation of materials throughout the cycle—from collection to product creation—ensuring the initiative’s transparency and credibility. Partner facilities will be asked to comply with ISCC certification guidelines by obtaining self-declaration documents necessary for proper recycling operations.

Future Prospects

Through this pilot initiative, the goal is to establish a comprehensive resource circulation model that encompasses everything from collection and processing to product sale, ultimately enhancing resource circulation throughout the contact lens industry. The four companies are committed to collaborating on furthering the responsible use of plastic resources as part of their contributions towards building a sustainable society.

Company Insights

• - Seed Co.: Founded in 1951 and celebrating its 70th anniversary next year, Seed is dedicated to providing a wide variety of contact lenses and related products, distributing them across more than 50 countries.
• - Refineverse Group: With over 20 years of experience in circular economies, Refineverse focuses on resource recovery and recycling through various means, like recycling of used carpets and plastics.
• - Mitsubishi Chemical: Operating since 1933, this comprehensive chemical manufacturer emphasizes innovation in materials spanning various industries.
• - Japan Polypropylene: Established in 2003, it is one of Japan's largest polypropylene manufacturers with a strong presence in both domestic and international markets.

In conclusion, this pilot project marks a significant step towards effective waste management within the contact lens industry, paving the way for a more sustainable future.