Technological watch

UBE Industries has announced that together with co-licensor Ebara Environmental Plant Co., Ltd., the two companies signed an agreement with JGC Corporation that gives JGC license to utilize the Ebara UBE Process (EUP) in gasification chemical recycling of waste plastics.
Collaboration to Boost Plastic Recycling
Since July 2019, UBE Industries, Ebara Environmental Plant, and JGC have been studying a collaboration business utilizing EUP. With the global movement toward a circular economy expected to further accelerate in the future, UBE Industries is actively working to address the issue of waste plastics. As the licensor in the agreement, UBE Industries will further facilitate the broader adoption and promotion of EUP for utilization in gasification .
The UBE Group is aiming to achieve an 80% reduction of GHG emissions by 2050, as part of its mandate to engage in corporate activities that are in harmony with nature, as outlined in the UBE Group Environmental Vision 2050.
Ebara Ube Process and Its Effectiveness
Gasification chemical recycling renders waste plastics into various chemicals including ammonia, methanol, and olefin, which can be used as raw materials for plastics, rubber, and chemical fibers. The technology is anticipated to lead to a significant improvement in recycling rates for waste plastic.
EUP, which was developed by UBE Industries and Ebara Environmental Plant, is a process that gasifies plastic waste using partial oxidation with oxygen and steam, and produces synthesis gas that can be utilized in the synthesis of chemicals. A gasification facility utilizing EUP with an annual plastic waste processing capacity of 70,000 tons has been operating at the Kawasaki Plant of Showa Denko K.K. since 2003.
Furthermore, the UBE Group is addressing and helping to resolve resource, energy, and global environmental issues, as one of its basic strategies under the Vision UBE 2025—Prime Phase medium-term management plan. This is being achieved through initiatives to further reduce GHG emissions and develop and increase adoption of new technologies and products that help reduce environmental impact.