New funding to drive ESA Method and Circular Economy for plastics

Tokyo-based Environmental Solutions Architect Co., Ltd. (ESA) announced the completion of 120 million yen in Series B extension funding. The funding, which brings ESA’s total to 930 million yen, will support the nationwide rollout of the company’s innovative “ESA Method,” a proprietary technology that circular waste composite plastics into valuable recycled resources.

The round was backed by prominent firms, including Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. and Hokkai Holdings Co., Ltd., alongside Shizuoka Capital Co., Ltd. Alliances with these companies are expected to accelerate ESA’s expansion, driving the use of recycled plastic across industries and local economies.

The ESA Method is an advanced recycling technology designed to tackle the complex challenge of composite plastic waste. Plastics waste is often a mix of different materials, not easily recyclable, and primarily disposed of through incineration or landfills. ESA’s proprietary technology, reprocesses these materials into high-quality pellets that can be used by manufacturers, reducing dependency on virgin resources.

Since March 2022, ESA has pursued a vision of a circular economy, transforming composite plastics into reusable resources. The company’s factory in Ibaraki Prefecture, currently produces recycled pellets primarily from off-grade products and factory waste. These pellets are then sold to resin processing and compounding manufacturers, helping to meet the increasing demand for sustainable materials.

The new funding will enable ESA to scale up its operations, providing its recycling technology and expertise to collection centers and waste-generating businesses across the country. The company aims to improve regional recycling efforts, reduce CO2 emissions, and minimize collection costs, thus promoting local circular economic benefits alongside environmental sustainability.