Establishing a Stable Supply of High-Quality Recycled Plastics for the Automotive Sector

Feasibility Study for High-Quality Recycled Plastics in Automotive Use

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, along with eight other companies including Takatoshi Kogyo, Tohoko Metal, Refineverse, Mitsubishi Electric, digglue, Nippon Polypropylene, and Ronbic, has launched a feasibility study (FS) aimed at establishing a stable supply chain for high-quality recycled plastics for automotive applications. This initiative is funded by the Ministry of the Environment in Japan as part of its efforts to build a stable supply structure for recycled plastics. The study involves collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation as a key partner.

The automotive industry has increasingly focused on the utilization of recycled materials, particularly in Europe where regulations have intensified around the recycling and use of such materials. As Japan has lagged in establishing similar systems, this consortium seeks to capitalize on digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) for the advanced sorting and traceability of used plastics, laying the groundwork for a dedicated concentration point for recycled plastics. The goal is to maximize resource recovery and supply high-quality recycled plastics.

Objectives of the Feasibility Study

The FS, set to be conducted until February 2027, focuses on the following objectives:
1. Developing concepts for integrating digital technologies and AI in the advanced sorting of used plastics.
2. Assessing the suitability of material recycling for automotive quality demands.
3. Investigating the potential for chemical recycling of used plastics that are unsuitable for material recycling.
4. Defining data linkage requirements to ensure traceability.
5. Evaluating economic viability and estimating the effect on increasing the supply of recycled plastics.
6. Developing a roadmap for phased implementation.

Key Features of the Feasibility Study

1. Integrated Supply Chain Collaboration

The project aims to foster collaboration between upstream and downstream businesses in the supply chain. Companies involved in recovery and sorting will work alongside those responsible for material design and supply to ensure that quality, quantity, cost, and provenance of recycled materials are thoroughly considered.

2. Combination of Advanced Sorting and Material Design

By combining advanced sorting techniques with material design technology, this initiative aims to develop recycled materials that meet the high standards required in the automotive sector.

3. Optimized Use of Material and Chemical Recycling

The FS will explore opportunities for dividing used plastics according to their suitability for material or chemical recycling, thereby maximizing their resource value.

4. Building Reliability Through Traceability

Establishing a foundation for traceability will enhance trust by visualizing the source of raw materials, the sorting and recycling processes, the content percentage of recycled materials, and environmental benefits, allowing customers to confidently use recycled plastics.

Roles of Partner Companies

Each of the nine participating companies has distinct roles in the project, collaborating to address challenges related to raw material procurement, quality management, sorting, recycling, customer evaluation, traceability, and business viability.

Future Developments

Through the feasibility study, partner companies will extract challenges and insights towards implementing a concentrated supply point for recycled plastics in automotive applications. Following the completion of the FS, there are plans to transition to demonstration projects or commercialization phases, aiming to establish systems for supplying high-quality recycled materials derived from various types of used plastics for a broad range of applications.