On March 27th, Teijin Co., Ltd. held a press conference at the China International Textile New Technology Exhibition to showcase its advancements in chemical recycling technology and titanium catalyst technology for polyester. The event highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the textile industry.
Mr. Kitahiro, Director of the Overseas Business Development Office at Teijin Group, presented the group’s environmental safety policies. As a global leader in synthetic fiber production, Teijin has long emphasized sustainable development through initiatives such as the Declaration of "Enhancing the Quality of Human Life through Deep Understanding of Humanity and Extensive Creativity" and the Earth Environmental Charter. These principles guide the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact and promote responsible business practices.
Mr. Sato, Director of the Raw Material Superposition Division, provided an in-depth overview of Teijin’s chemical recycling technology and titanium-based catalyst system. The company has been researching chemical recycling of polyester for nearly a decade, with commercial applications starting in 2002. Today, Teijin operates two facilities in Japan—Matsuyama and Tokuyama—capable of processing 10,000 tons per year and 50,000 tons per year, respectively. These plants recycle used polyester products into new fiber and bottle-grade polyester, achieving a closed-loop system known as "from bottle to bottle."
The recycled polyester produced through this method is chemically identical to that made from petroleum-based raw materials. However, it significantly reduces energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 80%, making it a more sustainable option.
Currently, only Teijin and Asahi Kasei are producing polyester using renewable recycling technology globally. While Asahi Kasei has a capacity of 3,000 tons per year, some Chinese companies have also started similar operations. However, most of their products still rely on conventional petrochemical feedstocks, with only about 20% coming from recycled materials.
Mr. Sato noted that while Teijin has explored technology transfer opportunities with Chinese firms, challenges remain. One major issue is the lack of a stable supply of recycled raw materials. Many Chinese manufacturers lack access to sufficient waste streams from downstream fiber producers, which limits the scalability of their recycling efforts.
In addition to recycling, Teijin has developed an eco-friendly titanium-based catalyst to replace traditional antimony-based catalysts commonly used in polyester production. This innovation not only reduces environmental harm but also aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals. Teijin plans to expand production of this heavy-metal-free polyester and is already engaging with partners in Japan and abroad to explore technology transfer possibilities.
Through these initiatives, Teijin continues to lead the way in developing sustainable solutions for the textile and polymer industries.
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