Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) is making significant strides in the commercialization of its chemical recycling technology for polycarbonates (PC), showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices. The Japan-based corporation has been actively engaged in the development and testing of this innovative recycling method, taking a noteworthy step forward in the journey towards widespread adoption.

Operating a test bench facility at its Kyushu plant in Kitakyushu city since October 2023, MCG has been utilizing microwave pyrolysis technology to extract methyl methacrylate (MMA) from acrylic resin waste. The primary focus has been on the conversion of acrylic resin waste from tail lamps of end-of-life vehicles in the Kanto region into recycled PC resin on a bench-scale.

Expanding its horizons, Mitsubishi Chemical Group is set to broaden its verification testing to include acrylic resin recovered from automotive headlamps in the Kanto region. This presents a more challenging aspect of the recycling process due to the increased difficulty in recovering materials from headlamps compared to tail lamps. To facilitate this expansion, MCG has formed partnerships with Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance (FMNF) and ABT Corporation. These collaborators contribute to the feedstock through their involvement in the car insurance business and vehicle dismantling, respectively.

The verification testing will play a crucial role in evaluating various aspects of the process, including operations, material quality, and costs. Based on the outcomes of these tests, Mitsubishi Chemical Group aims to scale up its resin recovery initiative nationwide, highlighting a strategic and phased approach to the commercialization of its chemical recycling technology.

Anticipating further advancements, MCG plans to upgrade the existing test bench at the Kyushu plant to a demonstration facility during the course of 2024. This transition signifies a significant leap in the technology's maturity and readiness for larger-scale implementation. Looking ahead, the company has set an ambitious target for the year 2030 – achieving a processing capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and sustainability.

It's worth noting that Mitsubishi Chemical Group had previously faced challenges in chemically recycling acrylic resin offcuts generated during its industrial operations. Citing reasons such as cost constraints, the company temporarily halted these efforts, as indicated in a January 2023 company update. However, the resurgence of interest in environmentally friendly materials in recent years prompted a reevaluation of priorities. This renewed commitment led to the resumption of research and development efforts, propelling MCG back into the realm of chemical recycling.

MCG's initial foray into chemical recycling occurred in 2021 through a licensing agreement with Mura Technology and KBR. Building on this foundation, the company is actively constructing its first HydroPRS project at its Ibaraki plant in Japan, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in sustainable and environmentally conscious practices within the chemical industry.