Convincing reasons why the alternative plastic unicorn TBM built the “largest domestic” recycling factory

Why TBM puts effort into recycling

In Japan, approximately 8 million tons of waste plastics are generated annually. About 60% of them are currently incinerated.

With the global trend of “decarbonization” and “plastic free” accelerating, the question of how to recycle existing plastics is a major issue not only for Japan, which is completely dependent on overseas sources for resources, but also for the rest of the world. can be said to be an issue.

TBM was originally developing LIMEX, a new material with limestone as its main ingredient, as an “alternative material” for plastics and paper. However, due to the characteristics of the product, LIMEX had issues that could not be ignored from the viewpoint of recycling.

This is because LIMEX products can be used in place of plastic products such as shopping bags and plastic cups. On the other hand, the ingredients are different from plastic.

in short,If LIMEX products were mixed in the plastic recycling process, there was a possibility that the recycling process would be adversely affected.

In fact, representative Yamazaki at the completion ceremony

“While we are developing and promoting the use of LIMEX materials and products, we are Various opinions were received regarding disposal methods and recycling.”

As he said, it is presumed that LIMEX products have received “various opinions” such as “confusing recycling” about “processing methods”, or, in other words, criticism.

That is why TBM has voluntarily installed collection boxes for LIMEX products and has made it easier to collect LIMEX products by using them in limited spaces such as stadiums. .

However, representative Yamazaki

“Creating a resource circulation model exclusively for LIMEX would take time, and with the current spread of LIMEX, we thought it would be difficult to achieve economic rationality.”

He says that it is difficult to popularize LIMEX “outside” the system, which can be said to be the plastic economic zone.

That’s why I came up with the concept of the recently completed recycling plant, which collects and recycles both LIMEX products and plastic products.

10 bases in Japan in 5 years.Aiming to treat 5% of Japan’s waste plastics

At the recently completed recycling plant, we have introduced a device that can automatically sort garbage by component, even if LIMEX products and plastic products are mixed together.Sorted waste plastics are finely crushed, washed, andRecycle each ingredient and put it back into the market.

TBM will cooperate with Yokosuka City, which is the municipality where the recycling plant is installed, to collect all LIMEX products, plastic containers and packaging, and plastic products that will be discharged in some areas of the city from November 2022. A demonstration test of recycling at a recycling plant has begun. In the future, by October 2023, this initiative will be expanded throughout Yokosuka City under the approval of the “Plastic Resource Recycling Promotion Law (law enacted in April 2022).”

In addition, TBM has also announced plans to expand domestically and internationally, using the demonstration test with Yokosuka City as a model case starting from the recycling plant. According to Yamazaki, in the futureAiming to complete construction of a total of 10 recycling plants nationwide (including Yokosuka) within 3 to 5 yearsIt says. Although the construction site for the plant has not yet been finalized, “Potential sites are coming up. We would like to spread the word at once,” said Yamazaki, who told Business Insider Japan that the company will move forward with a sense of urgency. Told.

If possible,It will have a processing capacity of about 400,000 tons, equivalent to about 5% of all waste plastics discharged in Japan.In addition, Mr. Yamazaki said, “If there is a connection,” he said, “if there is an inquiry from overseas, even if it is in the stage before establishing 10 bases in Japan, we will actively promote global expansion.” He also made clear his intentions.

Can LIMEX be incorporated into the plastic circulation?

Even if the recycling plant were to operate at full capacity, it is expected that most of the materials processed there would be plastic products. However, Yamazaki says, “At first, it’s all good.”

“We will promote material recycling, which has become a social issue, while it is not possible to ensure economic rationality just by collecting LIMEX.Established as a business by working to collect LIMEX together with plastic resource recyclingWe are trying to promote the recycling of LIMEX’s resources.” (Representative Yamazaki)

In areas where recycling plants with functions to sort LIEMX products and plastics are widespread, it can be said that LIMEX products can be introduced more easily.

This is because of the conventional efforts to popularize LIMEX “outside the plastic economic zone” mentioned above.It can be said that it is a shift to a new strategy that incorporates LIMEX “inside the plastic economic zone.”

(Text by Takashi Mitsumura)