Toyoda Gosei to double rubber recycling capacity in Japan

On October 18, leading automotive parts manufacturer Toyoda Gosei announced plans to significantly expand its rubber recycling capacity. The company will double the capacity of its Mori-machi plant in central Japan, aiming to accelerate the recycling of automotive rubber waste. The project is expected to double the current capacity to 1,200 tons per year starting in fiscal 2025.

The new recycling line uses improved technology to improve the quality of recycled rubber, thereby increasing the use of recycled materials in new products. This will enable Toyoda Gosei to recycle almost all of the rubber waste generated from door trim seals produced at the Mori-machi plant.

Toyoda Gosei produces and recycles synthetic rubber specifically for automotive parts. The rubber recycled at the plant will be used to make seals and other products made from the same synthetic rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM. Toyoda Gosei is also exploring the recycling of natural rubber, aiming to establish an integrated system for recovering rubber from scrapped vehicles.

While the recycling of materials such as steel and plastics has made significant progress in the automotive industry, rubber recycling has lagged behind due to its complexity. Most rubber waste ends up being incinerated. However, Toyoda Gosei has made headway with its proprietary devulcanization technology, which can convert rubber waste into high-quality raw materials.

By working with automakers and other industry players, Toyoda Gosei hopes to take the lead in rubber recycling and contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.