ENEOS and Mitsubishi Chemical Complete Plastic-to-Oil Recycling Facility in Ibaraki

Photo Credit: Mitsubishi Chemical Group 

According to a joint announcement, ENEOS Corporation and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) have successfully completed construction of a chemical recycling facility aimed at converting plastic waste into oil. The facility, located at MCC’s Ibaraki Plant in Kamisu City, began construction in July 2021 and marked its completion with a ceremony on July 2, 2025.

The plant utilizes Hydrothermal Plastic Recycling Technology (Hydro-PRT™), a process that uses supercritical water to chemically decompose externally sourced plastic waste and convert it into oil. The technology is licensed from UK-based Mura Technology Ltd., a company known for its innovation in advanced plastic recycling.

According to the companies, the recycled oil will be reintroduced into their existing supply chains—specifically, ENEOS’s refinery and MCC’s naphtha cracker—allowing it to be transformed into petroleum products, chemicals, and plastics once again. This closed-loop system is expected to significantly support the development of a circular economy in Japan and beyond.

In a further step toward sustainability, the facility is preparing to obtain ISCC PLUS certification, a globally recognized sustainability certification for circular and bio-based products. Once certified, ENEOS and MCC will be able to offer a range of products derived from recycled oil with enhanced traceability and sustainability credentials.

This initiative aligns with the ENEOS Group’s Long-Term Vision, which emphasizes securing a stable energy and materials supply while progressing toward a carbon-neutral society. Similarly, the Mitsubishi Chemical Group, guided by its vision to become a “Green Specialty Company,” is leveraging materials innovation to address global environmental challenges and promote societal well-being under the concept of KAITEKI—a Japanese term expressing sustainable well-being for people and the planet.

As the demand for sustainable solutions intensifies, both companies reaffirm their commitment to advancing the plastic-to-oil conversion business, contributing to the broader goals of decarbonization, resource efficiency, and the realization of a circular society.

Source: ENEOS