Japan

Under the partnership, Itochu Metals will collect used Daikin commercial air conditioners, oversee dismantling and separation of components such as heat exchangers and motors, and coordinate with specialised scrap processors to recover high-purity aluminium, iron and copper.

The cost of petroleum-based materials has surged, prompting a broader reassessment of packaging, including efforts to reduce plastic use.

A special ozone treatment sterilizes, bleaches, and deodorizes the material, enabling pulp to be reborn as new diapers, a feat previously considered impossible.

The technology recycles end‑of‑life PMMA back into high‑purity methyl methacrylate (MMA) monome.

As of early 2026, the company’s market capitalization stands at approximately US$26.0bn, reflecting its position as one of the world’s sizeable tech hardware firms.

Stronger policy incentives are needed for packaging waste prevention, reuse, and higher material circulation in Japan.

Releaf can be processed safely in the existing PET stream at levels of up to 10% by weight.

The sachets, though primarily composed of paper, offer excellent barrier properties against oxygen and water vapor.

Mitsui Chemicals, Idemitsu Kosan and Sumitomo Chemical will merge parts of their plastics units to strengthen resilience in a struggling industry.