#Japan #Tokyo #Refineverse、Toray、REAMIDE

Accelerating Sustainable Solutions

In a significant step towards a circular economy, Refineverse Inc. and Toray Industries, Inc. have announced a robust partnership aimed at developing recycled Nylon 66 resins derived from discarded airbags. This collaboration marks a crucial turning point in addressing the pressing issue of waste materials generated from vehicles that are no longer in use.

The Background of the Initiative

Every year, approximately 2.73 million vehicles in Japan are scrapped, leading to an estimated 1,900 tons of discarded airbags, which have largely remained unrecycled. Traditionally, these airbags, associated with end-of-life vehicles, have been processed as waste, instead of being harnessed for new material applications. The European Union's regulations on circular design and end-of-life vehicle management have catalyzed efforts in Japan to enhance the supply and utilization of recycled materials.

However, the complex nature of composite materials, such as airbags, presents significant challenges for recycling. This has underscored the urgent need for innovative solutions to realize a circular society. Refineverse has been at the forefront of this movement, having developed proprietary technology for separating silicone rubber from nylon fabrics. Since 2019, they have spearheaded the initiative to recycle airbags into high-quality nylon material, branded as "REAMIDE®." With over 100 auto dismantling businesses contributing to their efforts nationwide, REAMIDE® has found applications in diverse products, from construction materials to ties.

Now, the strategic accord with Toray aims to further enhance the quality of Nylon 66 resin derived from airbags, marking a new chapter in their therapeutic development.

Collaborative Efforts for Development

Refineverse will manage the collection of scrap airbags and end-of-life vehicle components, undertaking processes such as silicone separation, washing, and re-pelleting. Meanwhile, Toray will focus on compound formulation design and large-scale production. By refining the washing and re-pelleting processes, the partnership intends to minimize foreign materials remaining within the Nylon 66 resin. This effort has already yielded a notable advancement: the newly developed REAMIDE® has met Toray's stringent quality standards and buyers' expectations, marking a first for post-consumer recycled materials derived from end-of-life vehicles in Japan.

The ambitious project seeks to establish a reliable supply chain for the reuse of airbags collected from scrapped vehicles in automotive applications, setting a precedent for sustainable manufacturing practices.

Key Operations and Expansions

Refineverse conducts its collection activities nationwide, focusing on regions with a strong automotive presence. The company aims to expand its network, currently available in about 30 prefectures with over 100 partner companies, continuously advocating for the circular utilization of reclaimed airbags. Collected airbags are repurposed at Refineverse’s facility in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture, transforming them into REAMIDE® products such as construction materials and ties.

About Refineverse Group

Refineverse embodies a forward-thinking approach, aiming to connect innovative perspectives and technologies to create future wealth. With over 20 years of established practices in the circular economy, the company has been actively involved in the recycling and development of various materials. Beyond their ongoing initiatives with recycled nylon pellets like REAMIDE, they are also launching a new bio-material called "ReFEZER" in 2023, derived from bird feathers. This expansion highlights Refineverse’s commitment to sustainable practices and their mission to enhance the circular economy through business and research.