Toward the Future of Circulation - Innovations in Waste and Recycling Technologies (1994-2025)

Toward the Future of Circulation - Innovations in Waste and Recycling Technologies (1994-2025)

Takuma has developed a technology to recycle incinerator ash into construction materials by crushing it to 25 mm or less, mixing it with cement, and compacting it. Incinerator ash used to be disposed of in landfills, but this technology allows it to be reused as road pavement, building blocks, and interlocking blocks. Osaka Gas, Obayashi Corporation, and Keihan Concrete Industry are introducing this technology, which is being used in urban areas of Osaka and Tokyo.

Mitsubishi Materials Corporation has developed a technology to melt incinerator ash at 1,400 to 1,600 degrees Celsius and convert it into crystalline glass for reuse in construction materials. This technology has been introduced in the 23 wards of Tokyo and Osaka City, and is being used for pavement, building blocks, and tiles on the Metropolitan Expressway. Sumitomo Heavy Industries is also involved in this technology and is providing it to municipalities throughout Japan.

Kitakyushu City has designated the Port of Kitakyushu, which is adjacent to the Hibikinada Eco-Town, as a recycling port to promote more efficient waste disposal. The port processes 500,000 tons of industrial waste annually and has achieved a recycling rate of over 90%. Companies related to Eco-Town are believed to be involved in this project.

In Tokyo, an initiative is underway to reuse sewage sludge as bricks and permeable blocks. Led by the Tokyo Garbage Disposal Plant, the goal is to reduce environmental impact and make effective use of resources. These technologies are contributing to solving urban waste disposal issues.

In Niigata Prefecture, biodiesel fuel is being produced from food waste. Used tempura oil is reused, and 500 tons of food waste is processed annually. Niigata City and local agricultural companies are promoting this project, which is being coordinated with local agriculture.

The Ehime Prefectural Industrial Technology Center has developed a water purification technology that utilizes fermented microorganisms. By using yeast, lactic acid bacteria, and bacillus natto, the technology is expected to reduce sludge and eliminate odors. This technology has been demonstrated at the Yawatahama Kamaboko Cooperative Association, and it has been confirmed that treatment costs can be reduced by 70-80%.

The Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) has developed carbonized wood technology that carbonizes mousou bamboo and uses it as a soil conditioner and deodorizer. This technology reduces CO₂ emissions by about 30% and contributes to waste management. It is expected to be used especially in the agricultural field.

Toray provides seawater desalination systems that use reverse osmosis membrane technology. The system is being introduced in Saudi Arabia and Oman, and is capable of supplying 1 million cubic meters of fresh water per day. The technology is highly energy efficient and has been recognized as part of a sustainable water supply.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries has developed a water purification system that efficiently separates and removes microplastics. Installed in Jakarta, Indonesia, the system treats 200 tons of water daily and has successfully removed more than 80% of plastic particles.

NEC has developed a system to ensure water supply in the event of a disaster. The system has been installed in Cebu Island in the Philippines and can supply 1,000 cubic meters of drinking water daily in an emergency. This technology contributes to the stabilization of water supply in areas prone to natural disasters.

Panasonic has developed smart water management technology using AI and IoT. It has been introduced in Mumbai and Chennai, India, and has been shown to reduce water wastage by about 15%. This technology is expected to be a sustainable management system for effective use of water resources.