- Mitsui Chemicals recycled plastics study strengthens automotive recycling initiatives.
- Chemical recycling project evaluates regional collection hub feasibility.
Seven companies led by Mitsui Chemicals Inc have launched a feasibility study to establish a stable supply system for recycled plastics serving the automotive industry in Japan. The initiative focuses on verifying whether pyrolysis-based chemical recycling can consistently produce recycled plastics suitable for vehicle applications while also assessing the feasibility of creating regional used plastic collection hubs. The project has been approved under the FY2025 Supplementary Budget Feasibility Study Project administered by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment.
Government-backed initiative targets automotive recycling ecosystem
The study will be conducted across the Kyushu, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions to evaluate a sustainable collection and recycling framework for used plastics. The initiative aims to strengthen the availability of recycled materials for automotive manufacturing by integrating collection, chemical recycling, and downstream utilization into a more reliable supply chain. Through this approach, the participating organizations intend to support long-term resource circulation while improving the commercial viability of recycled automotive plastics.
Participating organizations and project responsibilities
The project is led by CFP Corporation, a company specializing in chemical recycling headquartered in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Other participating organizations include Ogawa-econos Co Ltd, J&T Recycling Corporation, Taiyo Oil Company Limited, Ishizaka Group Valuables Recovery Cooperative, and Mizuho Bank Ltd. Each organization contributes expertise across recycling operations, financial support, resource recovery, and supply chain development to assess the project's technical and commercial feasibility.
Role of Mitsui Chemicals in the feasibility study
Mitsui Chemicals will examine the feasibility of commercializing recycled plastics specifically for automotive applications while evaluating the project's overall business viability. The company will assess whether chemically recycled plastics produced through pyrolysis can meet automotive industry requirements and support future commercialization. The findings are expected to help determine whether a stable domestic supply system for recycled automotive plastics can be established through collaboration among industry participants.
Project overview
The following table summarizes the key details of the feasibility study.
FY2025 Recycled Plastics Feasibility Study Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Objective | Establish a stable recycled plastics supply system for automotive applications |
| Recycling Method | Pyrolysis-based chemical recycling |
| Study Regions | Kyushu, Chugoku and Shikoku |
| Project Lead | CFP Corporation |
| Supporting Authority | Japan Ministry of the Environment |
| Mitsui Chemicals Role | Evaluate commercialization potential and business feasibility for automotive recycled plastics |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Mitsui Chemicals recycled plastics study?
The Mitsui Chemicals recycled plastics study aims to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a stable supply system for recycled plastics used in automotive applications through pyrolysis-based chemical recycling. Conducted with six partner organizations under a Japan Ministry of the Environment project, the study will assess regional collection hubs, recycling capabilities, commercialization opportunities, and overall business viability to support a more sustainable automotive plastics supply chain.
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