ENEOS and MCC complete chemical recycling plant using Hydro-PRT™ to convert plastic into oil, advancing circular economy and sustainability goals.
ENEOS Corporation and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) have officially announced the completion of a chemical recycling facility at MCC’s Ibaraki Plant in Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Construction on the project began in July 2021, and the facility is now ready for operation, with a commemorative completion ceremony held on July 2, 2025. This facility plays a central role in launching the companies’ plastic-to-oil conversion business, which is aimed at promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental impact.
The newly completed plant utilizes Hydrothermal Plastic Recycling Technology (Hydro-PRT™), a chemical recycling method that employs supercritical water to decompose externally sourced plastic waste. Through this process, the plastic is broken down at a molecular level and converted into oil. The Hydro-PRT™ technology is licensed from the U.K.-based company Mura Technology Ltd., a pioneer in advanced recycling technologies.
The oil produced through this recycling process is intended to be reused within ENEOS and MCC’s existing infrastructure. Specifically, it will serve as feedstock at their refineries and naphtha crackers, where it can be transformed back into various chemical products, plastics, and petroleum-based materials. This closed-loop system ensures the materials can be continuously reused, aligning with global efforts to establish a sustainable and circular economy.
Moreover, the facility is in the process of acquiring ISCC PLUS certification, an internationally recognized standard that verifies the sustainability of products and supply chains. Once the certification is secured, ENEOS and MCC will be able to distribute products derived from the recycled oil as certified sustainable goods. This move enhances the market value of the materials while promoting environmentally responsible production practices.
This initiative supports ENEOS Group’s Long-Term Vision of delivering both energy security and contributing to a carbon-neutral future. The Group remains committed to “Supporting today’s normal while taking the lead in shaping tomorrow’s normal,” underscoring their dual focus on reliability and innovation.
For its part, the Mitsubishi Chemical Group continues to pursue its vision of becoming a “Green Specialty Company.” Their corporate mission is to resolve social challenges and deliver meaningful value to customers through the transformative potential of materials science. Guided by their purpose, “We lead with innovative solutions to achieve KAITEKI, the well-being of people and the planet,” MCC is actively working to develop sustainable materials and technologies.
Together, ENEOS and MCC aim to accelerate the transition toward sustainable energy and materials. The plastic-to-oil recycling facility stands as a concrete step in realizing a carbon-neutral, resource-efficient society, underlining both companies’ commitment to long-term environmental stewardship and innovation in materials science.
