We have entered into a joint research and development agreement with SANKO CO., LTD. (Head Office: Mizuho City, Gifu Prefecture; hereinafter “SANKO”) and Mitsui & Co. Plastics Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter “Mitsui & Co. Plastics”) to undertake initiatives for the development of applications and commercialization of recycled raw materials aimed at promoting plastic recycling.

Plastics are primarily derived from fossil fuels, and concerns have been raised regarding their environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions generated at the time of disposal and the issue of marine plastic waste. On the other hand, given their economic efficiency and durability, it is unrealistic to eliminate their use entirely, making responsible and effective utilization essential. For this reason, we have long promoted plastic recycling and have commercialized products such as sheets manufactured using recycled in-house production losses and post-use sheets.

While the importance of plastic recycling is widely recognized, the three companies have entered into a joint research and development agreement with the objective of developing applications and commercializing recycled raw materials made from used plastic products, specifically post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, to promote plastic recycling. In this research and development initiative, we will combine the respective strengths of each company: our extrusion, stretching, and recycling technologies; SANKO’s broad molding technologies centered on injection molding, as well as its proven track record in product development and sales; and Mitsui & Co. Plastics’ capabilities in proposing products using recycled materials and its established sales networks. Through this collaboration, we aim to further expand plastic recycling.

Through this initiative, we expect to contribute to the reduction of fossil fuel consumption, the suppression of greenhouse gas emissions, and the decrease of marine plastic waste.