Technology Development Toward Carbon Neutrality and a Circular Society

「We created a new recycling technology for breaking down a wide range of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites made from thermosetting resins while maintaining the strength and surface quality of the carbon fibers, as well as a new carbon fiber nonwoven fabric made using the recycled carbon fiber (rCF) produced by this technology.」

「廃電池からのリチウム回収率95％以上を達成する高耐久・高選択NF膜エレメントの量産技術を確立」

「Initially targeting automotive materials, we will establish technologies for separating other materials contained in used feedstock, nylon 66 depolymerization, and the separation and purification of monomers. We will establish a system for quality checks and sample work for customer evaluation in 2025, and proceed with preparations for full-scale mass production in anticipation of moves toward the introduction of plastic recycling regulations around 2030.」

「In addition, to achieve a circular society, we independently developed a microorganism that produces high levels of an enzyme that breaks down the dietary fiber in biomass into sugar (referred to by Toray as “T1281”), and established technology for mass-producing the enzyme. For these efforts in “technological development of novel enzymes for producing sugars from non-edible biomass,” we received the Sankei Shimbun Award at the 36th Advanced Technology Awards for Opening Up Originality, hosted by The Sankei Shimbun.」

「To achieve carbon neutrality, in addition to expanding our existing GR businesses, including renewable energy, electrification, and materials related to hydrogen and fuel cells, we will manufacture green hydrogen through water electrolysis and promote its use in industrial and transportation applications, while developing products that contribute to the utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2), thereby helping reduce GHG emissions across society as a whole. We will also reduce GHG emissions from the Toray Group by using sustainable energy and raw materials generated through the expansion of our GR businesses, and by developing and introducing innovative processes and technologies that utilize CO2. To achieve a circular society, we aim to create a circular society by developing various technologies, including carbon recycling technologies such as the recycling and bio-based production of plastic products, as well as the reuse of water generated in manufacturing processes.」