Environmental Technology Development
Goal
Developing environmental technology based on societal issues to foster the circular economy
We have identified four materialities in establishing the Epson 25 Renewed corporate vision. One of these is achieving sustainability in a circular economy. To realize this, we are focusing on developing technologies that contribute to closing the resource loop without relying on underground resources and aim for carbon negative. Additionally, we are actively promoting co-creation with partners to develop new solutions that contribute to reducing environmental impact, aiming to create new business opportunities.
For example, through material technologies such as Dry Fiber Technology (DFT) and Metal Powder Manufacturing Technology, we aim to replace underground resources with above-ground resources by utilizing waste materials and recycled materials. Additionally, to achieve carbon negative, we are developing CO2 absorption technologies to address unavoidable residual greenhouse gas emissions.
Dry Fiber Technology (DFT)
Closing resource loop by used paper / textile fibers recycling
The defibration technology, Dry Fiber Technology, utilized in the dry-process office papermaking system 'PaperLab,' has evolved for internal use, enabling used paper to be recycled into sound-absorbing and cushioning materials. Meanwhile, the same technology is also utilized for recycling sewing scraps from cotton clothing.
We have also entered into a joint development agreement with the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel limited (HKRITA) to establish a process for defibrating elastic blended fabrics and tightly woven fabrics. This will enable the extraction of new recycled fibers from functional clothing, sheets, and dress shirts, as well as from factory mill ends, unsold items of clothing, and unwanted apparel.
Accelerating the social implementation of composite plastics for circular economy (collaboration with Tohoku University)
Using bioplastics and recycled plastics instead of virgin plastics is crucial for a circular economy. However, compared to virgin plastics, they often have lower mechanical strength and durability, which limits their usage to certain applications.
Epson has been collaborating with Tohoku University under a comprehensive partnership agreement since 2006, engaging in systematic research and development as well as talent cultivation through industry-academia cooperation. Joint research on fiber-reinforced plastics, based on Dry Fiber Technology, is one of the efforts. In August 2023, the establishment of the "Sustainable Materials Co-Creation Research Institute" aims to accelerate research and development, as well as social implementation, of foundational technologies for cellulose fiber-reinforced bioplastics and recycled plastics, which serve as sustainable materials to drive the circular economy.
The development of composite plastics using defibrated cellulose or fabric has been adopted as a sub-project under the "Construction of a Circular Economy System," which is part of the Cross-Ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP)1 Phase 3, led by the Cabinet Office. (July 2023)
1 A national program led by the Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CSTI) aims to achieve scientific and technological innovation, transcending the boundaries of ministries and conventional fields.
Related Information
CO2 Absorption Technology
Epson aims to establish CO2 absorption technologies that can offset its own residual CO2 emissions in pursuit of carbon negative, as outlined in its Environmental Vision 2050.
CO2 separation membrane based on Epson's proprietary technologies
Epson is developing separation membrane that preferentially transmit CO2 based on several proprietary technologies, such as thin film technology from inkjet heads. In the future, we aim to achieve high-efficiency CO2 capture with compact, low-energy systems.
Biological carbon fixation
Epson is working on the development of CO2 capture technology using microalgae. Currently, we are focusing on coccolithophore, which synthesize calcium carbonate, for CCS2. Through the optimization of cultivation conditions and the utilization of various breeding technologies, we have succeeded in increasing CO2 fixation in our lab to 70 times that of forests3. Additionally, for CCU4, we are developing technology using green algae. In the future, we aim to more efficiently fix CO2 and even pursue its utilization.
2 CCS (Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage): Capturing CO2 emitted from power plants, factories, etc., and storing it somewhere, such as underground
3 Calculation is based on the data from the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI), Japan
4 CCU (Carbon dioxide Capture and Utilization): Capturing CO2 emitted from power plants, factories, etc., and utilizing it such as direct use for the agricultural or for fuel production
Metal Powder Manufacturing Technology
Recycling Metal Materials in the Epson Group with Original Metal Powder Manufacturing Technology
Epson Atmix Corporation is using its metal melting and atomizing process technologies to produce metal powder products. In February 2020, the company began taking silicon wafers that were used in Epson's semiconductor fabrication business and producing metal powder from them. This reuse of wafers reduces Epson's waste, CO2 emissions, and use of underground resources such as virgin silicon. By the end of the 2021 fiscal year, Epson Atmix had recycled 8.5 tonnes' worth of silicon wafers. The company will continue to search for other materials that could potentially be upcycled into high-performance metal powders.
Commencement of construction of a metal refining plant to recycle waste metals
Epson Atmix is constructing a new plant to recycle waste metals from within the group and from the market into raw materials for metal powder products, in order to establish a manufacturing process that achieves metal resource circulation. The plant is scheduled to begin operations in June 2025.
Related Information
