Düsseldorf, New York and Tokyo, 27 April 2023 – Asahi Kasei and Microwave Chemical launched a joint demonstration project in April 2023 with the objective of commercializing a chemical recycling process for polyamide 66 using microwave technology. The process utilizes microwaves to depolymerize PA66 and directly obtain the monomers hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and adipic acid (ADA), which is expected to be accomplished at high yield with low energy consumption. The monomers obtained can then be used to manufacture new PA66. In the demonstration, scraps from manufacturing and post-use waste material of PA66 for airbags and automobile parts are depolymerized.
Asahi Kasei produces fossil fuel–derived hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and adipic acid (ADA) as intermediates to manufacture LeonaTM PA66, an engineering plastic featuring outstanding heat resistance and rigidity. PA66 is used in various applications, including plastic parts for automotive and
electronic products, and yarn for airbag fabric, and its demand is expected to increase worldwide.
As the world moves toward carbon neutrality, attention is increasingly focused on manufacturing
processes for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from chemical products derived from fossil
fuels. Microwave Chemical is promoting technological and business development to achieve carbon
neutrality in the industrial sector focused on process development using microwaves, which can directly and selectively heat target substances with high energy efficiency. For chemical recycling, Microwave Chemical is advancing its proprietary PlaWaveTM technology platform for decomposing plastic using microwaves.
Through development combining Asahi Kasei’s experience in manufacturing HMD and ADA for more
than half a century together with Microwave Chemical’s achievements in the industrialization of microwave technology, the two companies aim to commercialize a manufacturing process for PA66
that can reduce GHG emissions compared to the conventional manufacturing process.
Laboratory-scale studies that began in fiscal 2021 have confirmed the high-yield depolymerization of
PA66 using microwaves, as well as the principle of the separation and purification process after
depolymerization. Bench-scale equipment will now be assembled at Microwave Chemical’s Osaka
Factory by the end of fiscal 2023, and a small-scale demonstration trial using this equipment will be
performed in fiscal 2024 to collect basic process data for commercialization.
Microwave Chemical’s PlaWaveTM technology platform for decomposing plastic using microwaves can
depolymerize PA66 with low energy and obtain HMD and ADA monomers in high yield. The manufacturing process for PA66 using HMD and ADA obtained by depolymerization with this
technology is expected to reduce GHG emissions compared to the conventional PA66 manufacturing
process, while further reduction of GHG emissions may be achieved by the use of renewable energy
for the power required to generate the microwaves.
By verifying the process from depolymerization to separation and purification in an integrated manner,
this demonstration project aims to enable resource circulation of PA66 for further reduction of GHG
emissions.
Moving forward, based on the results of the small-scale demonstration trial, a decision on the possibility of commercialization will be made by fiscal 2025 following detailed analysis. Concurrently with the small-scale demonstration trial, construction of a business model that involves the entire value chain in the chemical recycling of PA66 will be advanced, aiming to achieve a circular economy together with stakeholders in the PA66 value chain.
Asahi Kasei aims to be a global partner for its PA66 customers by providing optimal solutions for their
carbon neutrality initiatives through studies of the practical application of material recycling and
chemical recycling as well as trials for the commercialization of PA66 made using biomass-derived
intermediates.
Microwave Chemical is working to increase the scale of equipment and to make PlaWaveTM more
generally applicable in order to achieve the practical application of the chemical recycling of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, also called acrylic resin), automotive shredder residue (ASR), plastic containers and packaging, flexible polyurethane foam, etc.
About PlaWaveTM
PlaWaveTM is Microwave Chemical’s proprietary technology platform for decomposing plastic using
microwaves, that is able to be applied both to pyrolysis and solvolysis. PlaWaveTM enables faster
reaction speeds and greater energy efficiency in a more compact device.
About the Asahi Kasei Corporation
The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation
in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the
proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more
than 46,000 employees around the world, the company contributes to a sustainable society by
providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes,
and Health Care. Its Materials sector, comprised of Environmental Solutions, Mobility & Industrial, and
Life Innovation, includes a wide array of products from battery separators and biodegradable textiles
to engineering plastics and sound solutions. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com.
Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon
neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.
