Japan backs two plastic projects to phase out fossil plastics

Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has selected two companies to demonstrate technologies that could help the country move away from fossil-based plastics. One converts bioethanol into plastic feedstock, and the other recycles plastic used in electrical equipment.

In the bioplastics category, iPEACE223 Inc. will demonstrate decarbonised plastic feedstock made through high-yield monomer production from bioethanol. The company will use its own catalyst and process technology. It will start with a two-step process that is compatible with existing petrochemical facilities, and aims for a one-step process later. The company targets a CO2 emissions cut of at least 65%.

In the recycling category, GSI Creos Corporation will develop materials that allow recycled plastic to be used in electrical equipment. The plan is to collect used components and add carbon nanotubes to restore the performance of resin degraded by long-term exposure. The material is then recycled back into the same type of product. The company aims to expand recycled plastic use in power transmission and distribution, while lowering material procurement risk and CO2 emissions.

Both projects fall under the ministry’s policy of gradually reforming the use of conventional, fossil-based plastics, which is based on the government’s Resource Circulation Strategy for Plastics and its basic principle of “3Rs + Renewable”.

Three other categories were called for at the same time: bio jet fuel from waste biomass, waste oil recycling, and alternatives to fossil-based materials that cause microplastic pollution. Their results will be announced separately.

Applications were screened on paper and then reviewed by a committee of external experts. The programme funds demonstrations that resolve technical hurdles on the road to commercialisation. Both are at demonstration stage, so the results will show whether they can scale.