NEC And MARUKI SANGYO Demonstrate Efficient Recycled Plastic Production Using Materials Informatics

Time required to compound and color-match plastic waste halved

NEC Corporation and MARUKI SANGYO Co., Ltd. conducted a demonstration experiment in September this year to improve the efficiency of manufacturing recycled plastic. The experiment applied materials informatics technology using AI to improve the efficiency of material development. As a result, the two companies confirmed that the time required for compounding and coloring plastic waste in the production of recycled plastic can be reduced by half and does not require the expertise of specialized workers.

This study may result in the development of solutions for the plastic recycling industry that improve the functionality of recycled plastics and expand their distribution, thereby contributing to the realization of a circular economy.

Background
Various efforts are being made around the world to reduce plastic waste, which causes environmental pollution and the destruction of nature. Although the recycling and proper disposal of plastics are being promoted around the world, the majority of plastic waste is still disposed of by incineration or landfill. Under these conditions, it is important to accelerate efforts to reuse plastics as a resource for new products that can help to support a sustainable society.

The plastic recycling process begins with the collection and sorting of plastic waste. This is followed by crushing, compounding, coloring, and granulation processes, and then the plastic is processed into products called pellets for shipment. In the compounding process, the knowledge and experience of skilled workers are especially required to determine the optimum compound of small amounts and various types of plastic waste received every day, and to ensure that the pellets are in accordance with the performance and quantity demanded by the customer, such as strength, thermoplasticity, and color.

About the developed system and the demonstration experiment
Based on the compounding data that MARUKI SANGYO has accumulated since its establishment, NEC has combined its expertise in the development of materials, such as bioplastics and its materials informatics technology, to develop a system that presents compounding and color mixing plans for plastic waste. By entering the desired characteristics and color, this system can present the most appropriate proposal according to the daily fluctuating inventory of plastic waste.

In the demonstration test, it was confirmed that the compounding and color mixing plans presented by the system were accurate enough for practical use. It was also confirmed that the system can reduce the time required to study and determine the compounding of plastic waste and to study, test, and determine the pigment combinations by approximately 33% compared to skilled workers with extensive knowledge and experience, and by approximately 50% compared to inexperienced workers. This will contribute to the resolution of issues such as knowledge transfer of skilled workers at plastics recycling sites, labor shortages, and inventory management.

Future Outlook
Based on these results, the two companies have begun discussions to develop a solution for the efficient production of recycled plastic. The companies aim to provide consulting-based solutions to companies involved in plastics recycling by 2025, promoting the efficient and cyclical use of plastic waste. In addition, by making some of the information on the production of recycled plastic available for disclosure, AI will create high added value for recycled plastic materials and contribute to expanding the scope of their use.

By leading these efforts and promoting co-creation activities that transcend industry boundaries, the two companies will accelerate the circular economy, a socioeconomic system that efficiently circulates resources, and work toward solving social issues.