JGC Corp. has announced the launch of a joint research and development program with Bridgestone Corporation, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tohoku University, and ENEOS Corporation. This program is aimed at developing chemical recycling technologies that utilize used tires to achieve high-yield production of isoprene, a raw material for synthetic rubber. By combining the expertise and technologies of industry leading companies and academic institutions, JGC Holdings and its partners are working to develop innovative recycling technologies that will contribute to the realization of a more sustainable society and to conduct demonstrations for the social implementation of these technologies by 2030.

 

This program on “recycling technologies to achieve high-yield production by decomposing at low temperatures and depolymerization of used tires (brought by Bridgestone)” is one of two research and development (R&D) projects under the initiative called “developing chemical product manufacturing technologies utilizing used tires” promoted by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan and adopted as part of “the Green Innovation Fund” of NEDO.

 

In the future, as the demand for automobiles and transportation increases, the demand for tires will continue to increase. At present, synthetic rubber derived from petroleum is used as one of the main materials for tires, and most of the used tires are effectively used as fuel by thermal recovery. In the future, it has been pointed out that we may face problems such as climate change due to resource depletion and increased CO 2 emissions, so in order to continue to provide tires in a more sustainable manner, Nikki HD , Bridgestone , AIST, Tohoku University, and ENEOS, a consignment partner, have started joint research on chemical recycling technology for used tires by combining the knowledge and technological capabilities of companies and academia. Through this, we aim to contribute to improving resource recycling and carbon neutralization in the value chains of the tire / rubber industry and the petrochemical industry.

 

This research and development is to develop a technology to decompose used tires using a special catalyst to produce isoprene, which is a raw material for synthetic rubber, in high yield and reuse it as a raw material for tires. We are working on social implementation. JGCHD will be responsible for the design of the pilot plant, and AIST, Tohoku University, and ENEOS will be responsible for the development of chemical recycling technology and evaluation technology for used tires. Bridgestone will play a leading role in this research and development as a project leader and empirical study of social implementation by utilizing the research and development of rubber materials and the knowledge and know-how of the tire business that we have cultivated so far.

 

Through this program, JGC Holdings, AIST, Tohoku University, ENEOS, and Bridgestone seek to help increase synthetic rubber recycling and achieve carbon neutrality in the tire and rubber and the petroleum and petrochemical industries and to contribute to the realization of a more sustainable society.