In Japan, Mitsubishi Chemical and ENEOS open a plastic-to-oil recycling facility.

ENEOS Corporation and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) have successfully completed the construction of their joint plastic-to-oil chemical recycling facility at MCC’s Ibaraki Plant in Kamisu City, Japan. Initiated in July 2021, the project marks a significant achievement in Japan's drive toward a circular economy and the reduction of plastic waste through cutting-edge chemical recycling technologies.

The facility employs Hydro-PRT™, a proprietary hydrothermal process developed by UK-based Mura Technology. This technology uses supercritical water to convert waste plastics into recycled oil, which can be reused as feedstock in existing refining and petrochemical systems to produce new fuels, chemicals, and plastics—creating a closed-loop recycling model.

ENEOS and MCC aim to secure ISCC PLUS certification, an internationally recognized sustainability standard. Once certified, the facility will supply certified recycled content for a variety of industrial and consumer applications, supporting manufacturers and brand owners in their efforts to adopt more sustainable raw materials.

A completion ceremony was held on 2 July 2025, attended by key government officials, company leaders—including the presidents of ENEOS and MCC—and the governor of Ibaraki Prefecture, underscoring the project’s national importance.

This initiative aligns with the long-term sustainability strategies of both companies. ENEOS is focused on ensuring a stable energy supply while advancing toward carbon neutrality, and MCC continues to strengthen its position as a “Green Specialty Company” dedicated to material innovation and addressing global challenges.

The plastic-to-oil recycling project forms part of a broader collaboration between ENEOS and MCC to accelerate the energy and materials transition, supporting the development of a sustainable circular economy in Japan and internationally.