The act of "discarding" that humanity has repeatedly done
The time has come for an action to fulfill its purpose.
Waste generated around the world,
High quality without burning, using advanced technology
It is recycled into materials and products.
The key to this is high-performance recycled material
"CirculeX"
Through our unique blending and mixing technology,
recycled material derived from household plastics
The challenges were strength and odor.
By making significant improvements,
Equivalent to or better than virgin plastic
recycled material with enhanced strength has been created.
Environmental considerations and functionality,
Neither will be sacrificed.
The driving force behind all industries,
Next-generation recycled plastic materials.
That's CirculeX.
Currently, driven by the global trend towards a circular economy, the recycled plastics market continues to expand. Furthermore, in Japan, amendments to the "Act on Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources" are expected to mandate the use of recycled material for automobiles, four types of home appliances, and containers and packaging. Internationally, regulations promoting the use of recycled material in automobiles and packaging are being introduced, mainly in Europe, thus increasing the demand for recycled material from a legal and regulatory standpoint.
However, companies are facing a serious procurement challenge. High-quality PIR material (derived from industrial waste) generated in production processes is in short supply compared to demand, making procurement difficult and driving up prices. On the other hand, PCR material (derived from used plastic) discharged from households is relatively inexpensive and easy to procure, but it has quality issues such as a distinctive odor caused by food residue and insufficient strength, limiting its uses.
Amidst these challenges, "CirculeX" is a high-performance recycled material that fundamentally solves these problems through TBM's unique blending and mixing technology. While being an inexpensive and easily procured PCR material (PP) derived from used container and packaging plastics, it achieves strength equal to or greater than virgin plastics, as well as a significant reduction in odor. As a substitute for PIR material and virgin plastics, which continue to be in short supply and whose prices are soaring, this recycled material enables its introduction into a wide range of applications that were previously difficult to utilize.
Global trends in material circulation,
The "obstacle" to procuring recycled material
Currently, various countries are strengthening legal regulations regarding material circulation of plastics.
In the EU, a target has been set to recycle 55% of packaging waste by 2030 based on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)*1, and in the UK, a tax system has been introduced on plastic products with recycled material content of less than 30%*2. In Japan, a target has also been set to double the recycling of plastics by 2030 based on the Plastic material circulation Promotion Act. *3
Furthermore, the amendment to the "Act on Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources" introduces a framework for expanding the use of recycled resources that contribute to Decarbonization, and indicates a policy to gradually implement mandatory use of recycled material (plan formulation, periodic reporting, etc.).
Government documents clearly state that plastics are designated as a resource subject to mandatory recycled material use, and automobiles, four types of home appliances, and containers and packaging are designated as target products, with the aim of implementation from fiscal year 2026. This strongly urges the expansion of plastic recycling.
*5 Fuji Keizai Co., Ltd.: Market survey of recycled plastics and biomass plastics.
*6 Markets and Markets: Recycled Plastics Market
In response to these trends, the domestic recycled plastics market is projected to reach approximately 171.9 billion yen in 2024 and approximately 325.9 billion yen in 2040, while the global recycled plastics market is projected to reach approximately 13.7 trillion yen in 2025 and approximately 23.7 trillion yen in 2032. *4 In this market environment, recycled material of high-quality recycled materials derived from industrial waste is tight in response to the rapidly increasing demand, procurement is becoming more difficult, and prices are soaring.
Through proprietary formulation and compounding technologies for material development cultivated in its LIMEX business, as well as process improvements in its “Yokosuka circular factory,” TBM has fundamentally resolved quality issues—such as insufficient strength and odor—in PCR materials. As a result, the company has successfully developed “recycled material,” a high-performance material that can be used in applications previously reliant on PIR materials and virgin plastics, which continue to face supply shortages and soaring prices. "CirculeX" that can be used in applications previously served by PIR and virgin plastic—materials for which supply shortages and soaring prices persist.
*1 Delegation of Japan to the European Union: Overview of the EU's PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation)
*2 JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization): Measures against plastic packaging are progressing; the government will also introduce a packaging tax from April 2022 (UK)
*3 Ministry of the Environment: Plastic material circulation Strategy
*4 Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry: Materials from the Secretariat of the 12th Meeting of material circulation Economy Subcommittee of the Industrial Structure Council
*5 Fuji Keizai Co., Ltd.: Market survey of recycled plastics and biomass plastics.
*6 Markets and Markets: Recycled Plastics Market
Odor reduction
Evaluate the odor level of PCR material derived from used containers and packaging, according to its intended use.
Molding compatibility
Evaluate compatibility with current molding conditions and equipment.
Diversification of procurement
In addition to virgin plastic and PIR materials, PCR materials are being considered as a new material option.
Mechanical properties
Check the required mechanical properties such as strength and impact resistance for each application.
Through modifications using our unique blending and mixing technology, and improvements to the manufacturing process,
Despite being a PCR material (PP) derived from container and packaging plastics, it achieves strength exceeding not only conventional PCR materials but also virgin plastics.
*Calculation method: JIS K 7171 (bending strength) and JIS K
Evaluation results from tests conducted in accordance with 7111 (Charpy impact strength) (our own research). The physical properties are representative values and not guaranteed values.
By improving the cleaning process, we have succeeded in reducing the odor of PCR material by approximately 40%* compared to conventional PCR material derived from packaging plastics. This makes it possible to use it in a wide range of products, both indoors and outdoors, including furniture, home appliance parts, and automotive interior materials, which were previously avoided due to odor issues.
*Calculation method: Odor level of molded product after heating at 80°C for 1 hour was measured using a hot-wire semiconductor sensor (company research). Physical property values are representative values and not guaranteed values.
Used plastics that cannot be mechanical recycling have primarily been used as fuel and incinerated using a method called thermal recovery, which involves burning them to recover the waste heat.
CirculeX is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 6.43 kg per kg (up to 61%) compared to virgin plastics*.
*Calculation method: Calculated over the entire life cycle from raw material procurement to manufacturing and incineration. Compared to using 100% virgin plastic, assuming 100% renewable energy use in the manufacturing process at Yokosuka circular factory.
CirculeX offers five grades to suit different applications and performance requirements. We can accommodate grade selection and property adjustments to meet specific requirements regarding strength, fluidity, odor, and more.
Our unique compounding technology achieves both high strength and low odor. It is suitable for applications where odor is a concern indoors and is a good alternative to virgin plastic or PIR materials.
Our unique compounding technology overcomes the strength issues that plagued PCR materials. This enables the use of recycled material in products and components that require high strength.
Advanced cleaning and processing processes reduce characteristic odors originating from food residue and other sources by approximately 40%. This makes it suitable for indoor applications where odor is a concern.
Our unique modification and compounding technology improves the fluidity of PCR material. This allows us to handle large and complex shapes, contributing to reduced molding cycles and manufacturing costs.
We thoroughly control foreign matter and different resins, and achieve thin film thickness and resistance to breakage through our unique compounding technology. We utilize PCR materials to ensure stable continuous molding.
Examples of material substitution studies
We will understand the required physical properties and molding conditions of the currently used materials and propose candidate grades of CirculeX.
Consultation regarding material selection and evaluation
We will propose candidate grade selection and evaluation methods based on the application, current materials, required physical properties, molding conditions, etc.
CEO Yamazaki will be speaking at the Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2026, introducing a business concept that connects material circulation, starting with high-performance recycled material to industrial competitiveness.
Click here for press release
We will build a system where new materials such as CCU and recycled materials are "selected, used, and spread," contributing to the growth of Japan's chemical and materials industry.
Promoting the widespread use of recycled material through the creation of evaluation standards.
Addressing issues of reduced physical properties and odor, achieving strength exceeding that of virgin plastics.
From initial consultation to hiring consideration
Confirmation of intended use and current materials
Organization of required physical properties and molding conditions
Consideration of grading and evaluation methods
Sample evaluation and molding evaluation
Negotiation of recruitment and supply conditions
COMMON
QUESTIONS
CLEAR
ANSWERS
Yes. At TBM, we will ask you about your application, the materials you are currently using (type and grade of resin), the required physical properties, molding method and conditions, and then provide you with samples of candidate grades. We will also propose an evaluation method that includes compatibility with your current equipment and molding conditions, so please feel free to contact us through "Technical Consultation and Material Evaluation Inquiry".
Yes. It is possible to blend it with your current virgin plastic. The appropriate blending ratio will vary depending on the required physical properties and molding conditions, so we will discuss this with you through sample evaluation.
CirculeX offers "High-Strength + Low-Odor Grade" and "Low-Odor Grade" products for indoor use and other applications where odor is a concern, utilizing advanced cleaning, processing, and formulation technologies to minimize odor. Odor perception and required standards vary depending on the application and environment. We recommend testing samples before making a decision.
CirculeX offers "High-Strength + Low-Odor Grade" and "High-Strength Grade" products, which utilize our unique compounding technology to enhance strength for applications requiring high strength. Actual strength varies depending on the grade, molding conditions, product shape, and wall thickness, so please verify this through sample evaluation, including the balance with fluidity.
CirculeX is a high-performance recycled material based on PCR recycled material (recycled materials collected by consumers after product use).
Through TBM's unique formulation and kneading technology and improvements in cleaning processes, we offer grades that have improved strength and odor, which have been issues with PCR recycled material, according to different applications. TBM operates Yokosuka circular factory, consistently handling everything from sorting and cleaning used plastics to repelletizing them.
Enhanced Durability,
Odor Reduction
High-performance plastic
recycled material