Kanto region embraces circular economy with Recotech’s “pool”

Recotech Inc. has announced the expansion of its innovative “pool” business, aimed at creating a sustainable model for plastic resource circulation, starting in the Kanto region.

The pool business, which was developed in collaboration with Tokyo as part of the “Innovative Technology and Business Model Promotion Project for Plastic Resource Circulation,” has been recognized for its potential to make significant contributions to both environmental sustainability and economic growth. Recotech’s pool system acts as an information platform that connects businesses emitting waste plastics with those in need of recycled materials, ensuring the traceability and quality of PCR materials through a transparent supply chain. The project has now received official endorsement under Japan’s newly enacted Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Law, commonly referred to as the “new plastic law.”

Tokyo’s “Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy,” established in 2019, aims to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. A key component of this strategy is the reduction of disposable plastic use and the promotion of horizontal recycling processes that return plastics to their original, high-quality resin state. Recotech’s pool business aligns with these goals by creating a digital platform that transforms what would typically be considered waste into valuable “urban resources.”

The company’s focus is on soft plastics, which are frequently discarded by commercial and apparel outlets. By utilizing a uniform material that minimizes the risk of contamination, Recotech is able to supply Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials to plastic manufacturers, meeting the increasing demand for sustainable materials. The pool system ensures transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain, from waste emission to recycling and procurement, maintaining constant oversight of quality, cost, and supply.

Following its ministerial certification under the new plastic law, Recotech plans to initiate collection activities in the Kanto and Kyushu areas before the end of the year. The company aims for a nationwide expansion by 2024, focusing on major urban centers, including the Kansai region.