A2-02 Research on development and demonstration of matching tool for recycled plastics

Principal Investigator

ARAI Rie（Mitsubishi Research Institute）

Research overview

For the expansion of the recycled plastics market, it is essential not only to have the matching function between supply and demand, but also for businesses at each stage of the use and supply of recycled plastic and the collection of plastic waste as raw material to accumulate data and know-how for expanding the quantity and improving the quality of recycled plastics, and to utilize this as shared knowledge.
With the matching application of recycled plastics as the core, this research aims to expand the use of recycled plastics in the society and to realize circulation of plastics quickly, by creating the platform for sharing data and know-how about the use of recycled plastics in cooperation with various businesses.
The following five research projects are carried out for the above-mentioned purposes.

1. Development of Matching Applications for Recycled Plastics
   Developing a matching application based on the information that recycled plastic suppliers have and that recycled plastic users need. Conducing a demonstration of trial use of recycled plastic by utilizing the application, and improving the application based on the results.
2. Study of Connection to Traceability Tools for Recycled Plastics
   As a measure to ensure traceability necessary to improve the reliability of recycled plastic, a connection with information sharing platforms for plastics and other traceability tools is studied. Based on the results of the study, an interface for connecting to each tool is implemented in the matching application.
3. Research on Matching of Plastic Waste to Recyclers for Increasing the Collection of Plastic Waste
   Surveying information required for procurement by recycled plastic suppliers and information that can be ascertained and provided by plastic waste collectors. It also examines the information necessary for matching between the two and the way they should be, and examines and verifies the possibility of developing an application.
4. Creating Circular Design Guidance
   Creating circular design guidance for plastic product manufacturers by consolidating the knowledge gained through 1～3.
5. Decentralized Mechanism Design for a Circular Economy
   A grand theory for sustainability is presented by developing an auction method to match supply and demand of recycled plastics and proposing an institutional design to make the circular economy work effectively.

Progress and Results

1. Development of Matching Applications for Recycled Plastics
   A simple matching application for recycled plastics was developed and recycled plastics, mainly PP and PE, have already been registered on the application. As of the end of FY2023, a total of 12 suppliers and users of recycled plastics have participated in the use of application and a demonstration of the use of recycled plastics using the application has begun.
2. Study of Connection to Traceability Tools for Recycled Plastics
   Scheduled to be implemented in FY 2024 or later as originally planned.
3. Research on Matching of Plastic Waste to Recyclers for Increasing the Collection of Plastic Waste
   A survey of waste plastic processors was carried out with a view to increasing the amount of plastic waste collected, and a study was initiated to direct plastic waste towards recycling routes. Based on the results of the study, matching possibilities will be discussed.
4. Creating Circular Design Guidance
   Scheduled to be implemented in FY 2026 or late as originally planned.
5. Decentralized Mechanism Design for a Circular Economy
   Scheduled to be implemented in FY 2024 or late as originally planned.