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A unique recycling method that thermally reduces the volume of Styrofoam into ingots​was born in Japan.

A unique recycling method that thermally reduces the volume of Styrofoam into ingots​was born in Japan.

More than 45 years ago, Shigehei Inukai of Pana Chemical Co., Ltd. started the world's first Japan's original Styrofoam recycling system at the Tsukiji market in Tokyo. At that time, there was no word for recycling, and no one believed that we would buy ingots that had been heat-reduced to 1/50 of the volume of polystyrene foam using a recycling machine as a raw material for recycling. Over time, this system grew into a nationwide Styrofoam recycling system with 2,000 companies nationwide and an annual output of 30,000 tons thanks to the efforts of those involved over many years, and is also called an honor student in plastic recycling. This method has now been adopted overseas and has been highly acclaimed. We have named this Japan-born recycling system, which has come to be recognized as Japan-originated plastic recycling, "J-EPS recycling"*.

* EPS (expanded polystyrene) expanded polystyrene

Styrofoam recycling originated in Japan​, J-EPS recycling.

J-EPS recycling continues to support the flow of global plastic resource recycling.

In 1978, Pana Chemical Co., Ltd. started the J-EPS recycling of ingots of styrofoam in the Tsukiji market in Tokyo ahead of the rest of the country. From the beginning, we have delivered recycling processing machines and created a system for purchasing recycled blocks that have been reduced in volume. Currently, we deliver recycling processors to central regional wholesale markets, supermarkets, department stores, waste disposal companies, and local governments, and purchase recycled blocks for value. The collection amount is 3000 tons per month, which is the world's largest Styrofoam collection system. We have named this recycling system "J-EPS recycling", which has come to be recognized as Japan's original plastic recycling, and continue to support the flow of global plastic resource recycling.

Achievements

J-EPS Recycling

45 years

collect

Cumulative

1.5 million tons

Recycled block purchase results

​number of users

2000 companies

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Recycled block purchase
Cumulative collection of 1.5 million tons

More than 2,000 companies in Japan are using the J-EPS recycling system. We have collected a total of 1.5 million tons of waste so far, covering a wide range of industries, including raw material manufacturers, manufacturers, food manufacturers, nationwide fish and fruit markets, supermarkets, and waste disposal companies.

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Processing machine for recycling
is the deciding factor

Trading companies familiar with Styrofoam recycling processing machines, processing machine manufacturers, and users have worked together to evolve processing machines over time with the aim of improving safety, reducing environmental impact, and improving efficiency. However, we aim not only to buy recycled blocks, but also to achieve sustainable recycling.

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long-standing
Nationwide/overseas network

We have formed a network of fish markets, supermarkets, department stores, waste disposal companies, 2,000 recycling processing machine users and specialized trading companies, and more than 50 factories overseas that carry out recycling. The system realizes a stable recycling loop.

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industry informationevent·

Always available on our website

Through regular seminars, exhibitions, etc., we provide opportunities for information disclosure and information exchange, and we are enhancing connections and trusting relationships with our customers. We also regularly distribute industry information to our member organizations.

Our unique distribution network built over 45 years forms a sustainable recycling system.

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