Ebara Trading and Yokozawa Metal Industrial Team Up for Recycling Aquaculture Technology

Collaborative Efforts in Sustainable Aquaculture

Ebara Trading Co., Ltd. and Yokozawa Metal Industrial Co., Ltd. have recently entered into a memorandum of understanding to promote the verification of small-scale recycling aquaculture technology. This partnership aims to contribute to environmental purification materials, promote a circular society, and make use of underutilized resources.

Background of the Partnership

Ebara Trading, based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, has extensive experience collaborating with numerous municipalities in infrastructure sectors such as water and wastewater systems and pumping stations. Besides, the company has deployed various plant equipment to private facilities, focusing on sustainable energy solutions like solar power and small-scale hydropower projects. Meanwhile, Yokozawa Metal Industrial, located in Kawaguchi, Saitama, has a rich history in research and development of aquaculture and cultivation equipment that utilizes microbiological and biotechnology. Established in 1943, Yokozawa has achieved recognition for its innovation, including the development of techniques to harmlessly eliminate invasive species while effectively repurposing them as feed. This has garnered the company awards like the Special Award at the 3rd Saitama New Business Awards.

With the rising impact of climate change and soaring energy costs on farming and fishing industries, Ebara and Yokozawa recognize the necessity of stable, affordable aquaculture solutions. By leveraging Yokozawa’s bioengineering technology, they aim to create a sustainable resource recycling solution that is both small-scale and enduring. This collaborative system will establish a comprehensive recycling production method extending from aquaculture to the cultivation of feed insects and edible plants.

Verification Process

The verification process will combine Ebara’s expertise in water circulation and energy-saving systems with Yokozawa’s knowledge of bioengineering. Their goal is to develop a system capable of simultaneously nurturing multiple resource-recycling species, themed around the concept of a “small earth.”

Future Developments

Looking ahead, the partnership plans to conduct small-scale pilot tests to validate the circulation of resources and the development of composite organisms. They will also explore purification technologies suitable for different biological species and pursue the potential of land-based aquaculture. This initiative aligns with Ebara’s commitment to the SDGs, focusing on environmental contributions through technological innovation in products and solutions, as well as strengthening resilient environmental infrastructure and circular societies through local partnerships.

Contribution to SDGs

This initiative notably contributes to several of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Company Profiles

Ebara Trading Co., Ltd.

- Location: 3-9-10 Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- CEO: Kaoru Shimada
- Website: Ebara Trading
- Business Areas: This includes mechanical, electrical and telecommunication equipment related to waterworks, drainage systems, renewable energy projects like solar and micro-hydropower, and the design, construction, sales, and management of related systems.

Yokozawa Metal Industrial Co., Ltd.

- Location: 4-10-13 Higashi Torioka, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
- CEO: Hirotsugu Yokozawa
- Website: Yokozawa Metal
- Business Areas: Includes metals refining and processing, drug manufacturing, environmental sanitation equipment design, and the development of aquaculture and cultivation technologies utilizing biotechnology.