New closed loop recycling system for pure titanium scrap in Japan

Nippon Steel Trading Corporation has launched a collaborative recycling scheme with Asahi Kasei Corporation and Nippon Steel Corporation to repurpose pure titanium scrap generated during the manufacturing of salt electrolysis cells, converting it back into high-value raw material for pure titanium production. This is a shift toward a more circular model for metal resources.

There are significant technical barriers to recycling pure titanium scrap. Because the scrap varies in shape and often contains contaminants, establishing a stable pre-processing method is difficult. Furthermore, maintaining the high purity required for titanium production and ensuring strict traceability is a complex task. Consequently, most titanium scrap was previously diverted to open-loop recycling, where it is used as an additive for steel rather than being reclaimed as titanium.

The three companies developed a system that integrates digital management and specialised processing. Asahi Kasei manages the scrap at its manufacturing plant in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. The company employs digital technology to ensure traceability while sorting the material according to specific standards. Nippon Steel Trading then collects the sorted scrap and processes it into a state suitable for remelting. Finally, Nippon Steel Corporation uses the processed material as a primary ingredient in its pure titanium melting process.

This collaboration aims to increase the overall recycling ratio of pure titanium, with the hope of reducing the need for virgin materials and lowering the environmental burden of production.