NYK Line, along with NYK Trading Corporation, Azbil Yamatake Friendly Co., Ltd., and Kayama Kogyo Co., Ltd., have embarked on a recycling initiative aimed at transforming well-worn vehicle lashing belts from NYK-operated car carriers into fuel.
These belts, which typically reach their expiration dates annually, are being collected and separated by Azbil Yamatake Friendly, with Kayama Kogyo then converting the plastic belts into RPF fuel. This process is estimated to yield around 20 tons of RPF fuel from the approximately 200,000 lashing belts disposed of each year across NYK’s car carrier fleet.
What is RPF fuel (Refuse-derived paper and plastics densified fuel)?
RPF fuel is solid fuel made mainly from recovered paper and waste plastics that are difficult to recycle, among other industrial waste. RPF fuel has a high calorific value and is used as a substitute for fossil fuels such as coal and coke.
The initiative marks a shift from the previous practice of disposing of expired lashing belts as industrial waste or selling them as used products. Instead, the companies are focusing on recycling them into RPF fuel, contributing to GHG emission reductions. Moreover, the project emphasizes environmental consideration by utilizing renewable energy sources for all electricity used in fuel production at Kayama Kogyo.
Overall, according to NYK, the collaboration among the four companies underscores their commitment to corporate activities that prioritize environmental sustainability and foster an inclusive society, where individuals from various backgrounds can contribute without barriers.
