Key Facts
• August 2025: Chiba’s Sodegaura City and Tokyo-based Ebara Environmental Plant launch pilot project.
• 1-ton-per-day chemical recycling plant built in July 2025 using ICFG technology.
• 600 households in 3 districts participated in a one-month waste separation trial in June 2025.
• Chemical recycling converts plastic waste into raw materials without pre-treatment.
• Goal: Achieve 2050 carbon neutrality and address marine plastic pollution.
• Challenges include collection methods, energy consumption, and recycling costs.
• Agreement signed on August 7, 2025, to explore solutions and possibilities.
• Ebara Environmental Plant aims to promote public awareness through exhibitions.
Summary
Sodegaura City in Chiba Prefecture and Ebara Environmental Plant, part of the Ebara Corporation Group, have initiated a pilot project to recycle household plastic waste into raw materials using chemical recycling. The project employs the company’s proprietary ICFG (Internal Circulating Fluidized Bed Gasification) technology, which eliminates the need for pre-treatment of waste. A plant capable of processing one ton of waste daily was constructed in July 2025. In June, 600 households participated in a trial to separate plastic waste for analysis. The initiative aims to establish a stable resource recycling system, contributing to 2050 carbon neutrality and reducing marine plastic pollution. However, challenges such as collection methods, energy use, and costs remain. On August 7, 2025, the city and company signed an agreement to address these issues. Public awareness campaigns are also planned to gain community support.
