Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. (MCC; Tokyo) has entered into a license agreement with Mura Technology, Ltd. pertaining to a process (HydroPRS) for manufacturing raw materials (regenerated oils) for chemical products from plastic wastes.
MCC is continuing to consider the conversion of raw materials to non-fossil-based materials and the development of technologies for chemical recycling of plastic waste in order to realize a circular economy. Based on this license agreement with Mura, MCC is planning to introduce HydroPRS to accelerate detailed studies toward the commercialization of chemical recycling of plastic wastes.
HydroPRS is an innovative process for converting plastics into regenerated chemicals and oils utilizing high-temperature and high-pressure supercritical water. Compared with the conventional direct pyrolysis technology, it is possible to obtain regenerated oils with a high yield and of the same quality as petroleum-derived raw materials (which can be put into existing facilities without pretreatment). With this process, we believe that plastic wastes that were previously incinerated or landfilled can be chemically recycled and enable significant reduction of CO2 emissions and fossil fuel consumption throughout the plastic life cycle, which will greatly contribute to the realization of a circular economy.
In addition, Mura is aiming for the commercialization of large-scale chemical recycling of plastic wastes, and HydroPRS is one of the many chemical recycling technologies that are being developed at an accelerating pace. Mura is also collaborating with Dow and KBR on advancing chemical-recycling technology.
MCC will continue to contribute to the realization of a circular economy by introducing innovative technologies and providing solutions for environmental and social issues.