Green news: Idemitsu opens recycling facility in Japan; ESG/De Tomaso tie-up on CNT-based sustainable auto materials

Japanese firm Idemitsu’s subsidiary Chemical Recycle Japan has completed construction of its first chemical recycling plant as part of efforts to promote a circular economy in the plastic industry in the country. The recycling facility is located at its Ichihara plant, neighbouring Idemitsu's Chiba plant in eastern Japan, according to the company.

Construction was completed in December 2025, and Idemitsu plans to begin commercial operations at the new chemical recycling plant in April 2026. The Ichihara facility can process 20,000 tonnes/year of plastic waste and produce around 14,000 tonnes/year of recycled oil.

CRJ's facilities use catalysts to break down plastic waste into recycled oil. The resulting product is equivalent to light crude and contains no heavy distillates or wax, the companies said.

Idemitsu plans to blend the recycled oil with conventional oil and use it at the existing refining and petrochemical units, aiming to add environmental value to selected chemical products.

Plastics made from the recycled oil are expected to cost about three times more than conventional crude-derived plastics at the current plant scale, CRJ said. The company aims to expand capacity over time and eventually reduce the cost to less than twice that of conventional plastics, it added.

In other news, Singapore’s Environmental Solutions (Asia) Pte Ltd (ESA), a wholly owned subsidiary of ESGL Holdings Limited has announced the launch of a joint development with Italy’s De Tomaso Automobili to research and develop sustainable advanced automotive materials incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

The Joint Development Program reflects the strategic alignment between ESGL and De Tomaso Automobili in advanced materials innovation. This collaboration exemplifies the integration of circular economy solutions with luxury automotive performance heritage.

The Joint Development Program further serves as a technical collaboration platform supporting the parties’ strategic alignment in advanced materials innovation, while remaining operationally independent of any merger, acquisition, or business combination.

Focus on Sustainable Circular Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

The latest imitative extends ESA’s earlier achievements, including the ongoing production of circular multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) from plastic waste through its 2023 partnership with Nanomatics Pte. Ltd. It also follows the non-binding memorandum of understanding signed on November 26, 2025, to establish a carbon-neutral luxury race circuit in Bintan, Indonesia.

The current initiative focuses on integrating these sustainable nanomaterials into high-performance composites. The objective is to develop components for ultra-luxury vehicles that offer superior strength-to-weight ratios, enhanced conductivity, improved durability, and are designed for enhanced recyclability.

The companies say the iconic De Tomaso P72 hypercar, featuring an advanced carbon monocoque chassis, provides a reference platform for evaluating future CNT-enhanced material innovations.

ESGL Holdings Limited is a Singapore-based circular economy innovator committed to reducing carbon emissions for industries across Asia. ESGL conducts all its operations through its operating entity incorporated in Singapore, Environmental Solutions (Asia) Pte. Ltd. 

De Tomaso Automobili Holdings Limited represents one of Italy’s most iconic luxury automotive marques, with a heritage dating back to 1959.

ESGL and De Tomaso Automobili Holdings Limited are currently progressing through the steps of an announced business combination, which remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The companies add that there is no assurance that the transaction will be completed.

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