Japanese Only - TBM and JEMS conduct verification experiment to ensure traceability of recycled materials shipped from Yokosuka Plant

～We aim to enhance the value of recycled materials by visualizing resource circulation using digital tools.～

TBM Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Atsuyoshi Yamazaki, hereafter TBM) began a pilot project in February 2023 at its Yokosuka Factory to ensure the traceability of resources and waste, including used LIMEX and plastics received at the facility. The project utilizes “Circular Navi,” a resource circulation value verification service provided by JEMS Inc. (Headquarters: Tsukuba, Ibaraki; CEO: Hiroki Sunaga, hereafter JEMS).

The Yokosuka Factory, a material recycling plant completed in November 2022, has one of the largest processing capacities in Japan at 40,000 tons per year. The facility collects used LIMEX and plastic products and performs automated sorting. It also produces recycled pellets, and the recycled material, CirculeX, is already being shipped to clients both domestically and internationally.

By using JEMS’ Circular Navi, the supply chain information of resources received at the Yokosuka Factory can be visualized. This allows tracking of recycled LIMEX (re-pelletized used LIMEX products, called “LIMEX UP Pellet”) and CirculeX, showing where they came from and what raw materials were used. Through this pilot project, we are verifying a system that ensures traceability and visualizes the recycling process, helping to enhance the value of recycled materials.

About TBM’s Resource Circulation Business:https://tb-m.com/eng/business/circulation-about/
About CirculeX:https://tb-m.com/eng/business/circulation-material/
TBM’s Initiatives to Promote Plastic Resource Circulation:https://tb-m.com/eng/sustainability/plastic-circulation/

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Background

More companies are reducing their use of virgin plastics and shifting toward environmentally friendly recycled materials. The global recycled plastics market was valued at USD 37.75 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.09% from 2022 to 2027, reaching USD 51.15 billion by 2027.^*1In this context, the quality standards required for recycled materials are rising, and companies in the circular economy are adopting various methods to ensure traceability and visualize supply routes.
*1 Recycled Plastics Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027

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Pilot Project Overview

Since its completion, the Yokosuka Factory has managed used LIMEX and plastics by lot. By integrating trace data from each production line into Circular Navi, we can visualize the source of raw materials, production dates, and recycling processes for each recycled material. The recycled LIMEX and CirculeX produced through this initiative will be delivered to clients both in Japan and abroad. Through this pilot project, we are testing whether visualizing the supply chain can help enhance the value of recycled materials.