As a manufacturer of a wide range of materials, Toray has been taking on the challenge of recycling various resources including fibers and textiles. The basic principle underpinning Toray's recycling is "Less Energy," and it promotes this effort based on its Recycling Vision established in 2006 and on its Recycling Activity Principles put into place in 2004. Particular emphasis is being placed on working with customers to provide them with product solutions.
- Recycling Activity Principles(adopted in March 2004)
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- We shall design, produce, and sell products that reduce our impact on the environment.
- We shall purchase and use materials and products which will help reduce our impact on the environment
- We shall disclose information related to recycling programs and recycled goods.
- We shall voluntarily cooperate with customers to recycle or otherwise appropriately dispose of our products.
| Company-wide |
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|---|---|
| Fibers & Textiles recycling |
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| Plastic recycling |
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| Composite materials recycling |
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In FY 2008, Toray created new brands for fibers and textiles recycling in order to accelerate the strengthening of brand power and global product development based on the Ecodream* initiative for Group-wide environmental and recycling activities. The brand names are ECOUSE* and CYCLEAD*, which will be common for both Japanese and overseas markets, with the former referring to products made from recycled raw materials, and the latter referring to products that can be collected and recycled.
| Made from Recycled Raw Material | Collected and Recycled | |
|---|---|---|
| ECOUSE* | CYCLEAD* | |
| Japan |  |
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| Overseas |  |
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In FY 2008, Toray began the collection of Nylon-6 products for chemical recycling in partnership with several companies. Under this initiative, Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. collects shopping bags, ponchos, and pouches, while Ito-Yokado Co., Ltd. recovers shopping bags and Goldwin Inc. collects standard edition eTHE NORTH FACE' compact jackets for recycling. Chemical recycling of Nylon-6 involves chemically turning the collected textile products back into Nylon-6 raw material, which is then re-polymerized and made into new filaments. This recycling process helps to conserve resources.
- Chemical recycling of Nylon-6 by a collection cycle system
Toray obtained "Wide-Area Certification" from the Ministry of Environment in Japan, and began full-scale collection and recycling of uniforms and industrial nets. Under this system, uniforms are endorsed with the Ecological Life and Culture Organization's recycle mark, and are recovered and recycled after use via the Nippon Express Co., Ltd. logistics network.
- Recycling Flow (uniforms)
Toray commercially develops the recycling of plastics such as ABS, nylon, PBT, PET and PPS resins, and many other types of polymer through material recycling. The Company is promoting joint efforts to create collection and recycling systems together with customers.
- Recycling Cross-Flow Fans Used in Air Conditioners
Since the CFRP production and business is expected to significantly expand in the future, recycling CFRP is becoming an important issue. As a member of the Recycling Committee of the Japan Carbon Fiber Manufacturers Association, Toray engages in recycling initiatives along with other CFRP manufacturers.
With the support of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, in April 2008, the Japan Carbon Fiber Manufactures Association completed its recycling test plant in Omuta City for the “Experimental Study of Carbon Fiber Recycling Processes.” The quality and performance of recycled products is now being evaluated and trial cost calculations are being carried out through verification testing.
