Research on Resource Recycling of Used Plastics Generated from Contact Lens Manufacturing and Distribution
Collaborating Organization
Menicon Co., Ltd.
Research and Development Overview
Objective: Research on Resource Recycling of Used Plastics Generated from Contact Lens Manufacturing and Distribution
Commercial contact lenses are distributed in individually packaged lens cases. In particular, with the growing adoption of daily disposable contact lenses (1day Dispo), the amount of plastic used in lens cases (post-consumer recycled plastics: PCR) has been increasing.
Lens cases are primarily made of polypropylene (PP), a material characterized by high transparency, low odor, and minimal contamination because the filling solution is physiological saline. Previous studies have also confirmed the potential to design recycled materials that satisfy the requirements established by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA).
In the current recycled plastics market, demand for high-quality recycled materials is expanding in applications such as home appliances and automotive components. Securing a stable supply of high-purity PP resources has therefore become an important challenge.
Accordingly, this project aims to establish an integrated circular resource system incorporating collected PCR materials together with post-industrial recycled plastics (PIR) generated from domestic and overseas manufacturing facilities.
1 Case project overview