#Japan #Tokyo #Aluminum Recycling #YKK AP #Toyama University

YKK AP and Toyama University Launch Joint Research Initiative on Aluminum Recycling

YKK AP Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, and Toyama University, led by President Shigeyuki Saito, have announced the establishment of the "Aluminum Recycling and Circular System Engineering (YKK AP) Joint Research Initiative" set to commence on June 1, 2025. This joint venture aims to advance the development and implementation of sustainable aluminum recycling processes as part of YKK AP's commitment to their vision "Evolution 2030," which emphasizes contributions to global environmental sustainability.

Particularly, YKK AP has set an ambitious goal of achieving a 100% aluminum recycling rate in Japan by 2030. To meet this target, the company recognizes the need for effective technologies to purify various aluminum alloy scrap collected from the public and to enhance the properties of materials even when impurities are present. By collaborating with Toyama University, known for its expertise in lightweight metallic materials, especially aluminum research, YKK AP intends to address these challenges by establishing a dedicated joint research initiative.

Overview of the Joint Research Initiative

Title

Aluminum Recycling and Circular System Engineering (YKK AP) Joint Research Initiative

Research Focus Areas

1. Separation Processes for Aluminum Alloy Scrap Impurities
The focus will be on developing technologies that enhance the efficiency of processes aimed at separating impurities from aluminum scrap, utilizing Toyama University's proposed aluminum upgrade recycling technology.

2. Improvement of Properties in Aluminum Materials Containing Impurities
The research will aim to enhance the characteristics of aluminum materials that contain high levels of impurities, exploring new applications for such materials generated during public recycling processes.

3. Energy Reduction in Aluminum Recycling Processes
By utilizing plastic deformation processing techniques, the initiative will investigate the production methods for extruded products that contribute to energy savings in the recycling process.

Duration of the Initiative

The research initiative is scheduled to be operational from June 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027, spanning a period of 2 years and 4 months.

Research Academy Involved

This initiative is based in the Advanced International Research Center for Lightweight Metallic Materials at Toyama University.

Research Structure

A faculty member from YKK AP will be appointed to the joint research initiative, applying a cross-appointment system to enhance collaboration between the industry and academia.

Importance of the Advanced Aluminum International Research Center

Toyama University plays a pivotal role in aluminum materials research in Japan. This joint initiative is anticipated to elevate the value of recycled aluminum, foster the sustainable development of the aluminum industry, create new employment opportunities linked to innovative recycling processes, and contribute to environmental businesses aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

YKK AP is participating as a lead enterprise in the JST-supported program for co-creation, specifically aimed at developing a circular economy model in Toyama. The company, collaborating with Toyama University, local government agencies, and other involved enterprises, has taken various actions to establish an aluminum resource circulation model. In 2023, YKK AP made a donation of 10 million yen to the Advanced Aluminum International Research Center at Toyama University to further expedite the co-creation of aluminum recycling technologies.

Through this joint research initiative, YKK AP plans to merge its experimental and production facilities with Toyama University's advanced techniques and academic insights. This collaboration is positioned to accelerate research and practical applications that contribute to carbon neutrality, thereby aiding the development of a sustainable society.

The establishment of this initiative signifies a major step towards achieving not only the ambitious recycling targets but also the broader goal of sustainable industrial practices and environmental stewardship that benefit all stakeholders involved.