"Vinyl Recycling Technology International Cooperation" - March 15, 1999

"Vinyl Recycling Technology International Cooperation" - March 15, 1999

To advance the development of vinyl (polyvinyl chloride, PVC) recycling technology, related organizations in Japan, the United States, and Europe have decided to establish an international cooperation framework. This cooperation is led by the Japan Vinyl Environmental Council, the Vinyl Institute in the United States, and the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers. While information exchanges have taken place regularly, a shared understanding of the urgent need to address environmental issues has prompted a more proactive approach to technology development.

One of the key areas of focus in this international cooperation is the development of feedstock recycling technology. Feedstock recycling involves breaking down waste PVC back into its original raw materials, specifically converting it into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and other chemical feedstocks. This technology holds significant potential for reducing environmental impact, and there has been a strong call from Europe to develop gasification technology.

In Japan, companies like Ube Industries and Daicel Chemical Industries are already working on developing this gasification technology. The Japan Vinyl Environmental Council plans to collaborate with these companies to advance the project. By the end of the year, a pilot facility for feedstock recycling is expected to be constructed, as agreed during a meeting of executive directors held in Brussels, Belgium. The total cost of the project is estimated to be between 1.5 to 1.6 billion yen.

Another important theme of this cooperation is the environmental impact assessment of the ash and other by-products generated during thermal recycling. A neutral European research institute will lead the analysis of the causes of these emissions and explore methods for minimizing their generation. This initiative aims to minimize the environmental impact of thermal recycling while advancing the practical application and widespread adoption of vinyl recycling.

Through this collaboration, Japan, the United States, and Europe are taking a significant step toward realizing a sustainable society. The development of these technologies is expected to establish a recycling system that minimizes environmental impact.