Petroleum refinery company Idemitsu Kosan has collaborated with beverage company Suntory for the chemical recycling demonstration test of used polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle caps and labels.
The project has recently progressed to a demonstration test phase, where Chemical Recycle Japan, a subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan, utilised the used caps from Suntory to produce chemical recycled (CR) oil.
The CR oil, derived from recycled plastics, was confirmed by Idemitsu Kosan to be a viable raw material for the production of petrochemical products and fuel oil.
The company is now exploring the potential of generating ‘Renewable Chemicals’ and ‘Renewable Fuel Oil’ from CR oil obtained from bottle caps and labels using its existing petroleum refining and petrochemical infrastructure.
Suntory’s role in this partnership involves assessing the practicality of plastic containers made from these renewable chemicals and investigating optimal recycling methods for packaging.
Both companies say they are committed to establishing a comprehensive supply chain that encompasses the entire process, from collection to transformation into new materials.
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By GlobalDataChemical Recycle Japan was established by Idemitsu Kosan in April 2023 with the objective of creating CR oil as an alternative to crude oil.
The collaboration aligns with global efforts to address marine plastic waste, climate change, and stricter waste import regulations.
It also coincides with the enforcement of legislation such as the Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation Related to Plastics.
The PET bottle cap and label recycling process is part of Idemitsu Kosan’s broader strategy to implement diverse resource conservation solutions, as outlined in its medium-term business plan.
Meanwhile, Suntory continues its longstanding commitment to sustainability.
Since 2011, it has pioneered horizontal recycling technology in Japan’s beverage industry and is working towards 100% sustainable bottles by 2030 through the use of recycled or biobased materials.
