Since 2019, Japanese company Refinverse Inc. has been recycling airbag fabric but mainly discarded fishing nets into a product line of nylon resin called REAMIDE. In so doing, they seek to contribute to solving the problem of ocean plastic waste. They have thus been addressing two of the 17 sustainable development goals outlined by the United Nations, namely "Responsible Consumption and Production," as well as "Life Below Water." Now, as they expand production of REAMIDE for additional applications, they are working on a third, "Partnership for the Goals."

Hokkaido's fishery production is the largest in Japan, and the vast amount of fishing nets and gear used there are currently disposed of without being recycled. In December 2020, Refinverse Ltd. signed a license agreement with Suzuki Shokai Co. and Sumitomo Corporation to work together in promoting the recycling of these fishing nets.

Based on the above license agreement, Refinverse Ltd. will provide Suzuki Shokai Co. with the technology and equipment to greatly enhance the production of REAMIDE, which will be manufactured according to Refinverse's high quality standards and sold by Suzuki Shokai Co. in Hokkaido.

As a result of this initiative, the production capacity of REAMIDE is expected to increase to 5,000 tons per year, including the production capacity of their current Ichinomiya Plant.

Preparations are currently underway and production is slated to begin in early 2022.

REAMIDE resin nylon has numerous applications, including the fabric and fashion industry. For example, they worked with bag makers Toyooka Kaban 豊岡鞄 on a bag made with REAMIDE:

Refinverse Ltd. will continue to collaborate with various partner companies to build a recycling-oriented business model, thereby contributing to the establishment of a sustainable society.

For more information, see the company's website here.