Mitsubishi Corporation has entered into an agreement to acquire 25% of shares in ELG Carbon Fibre Ltd (ECF) from ELG Carbon Fibre International GmbH.
ECF reprocesses surplus carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials from manufacturing operations and end of life parts. It is reportedly the first company in the world to have established stable commercial production of reprocessed carbon fiber supplying to markets such as the automotive and electronics industries.
Under the agreement, Mitsubishi will promote the sales and marketing of ECF products through the company’s channels already engaged in the business of plastic resin sales. Japanese OEMs are seeking lightweight advanced material solutions to reduce emissions from internal combustion engines and increase cruising distance of electrified vehicles, the company says. Whilst Japan is a global leader in carbon fiber technology, producing almost 70% of the world’s supply, recycling technologies have not developed at the same pace, according to Mitsubishi.
‘Through the acquisition of shares in ECF, MC will be contributing to expanding the stable supply of reprocessed carbon fiber while at the same time continuing to contribute to the sustainable development of industry and the realization of a low-carbon society,’ said Mitsubishi Corporation.
This story is reprinted from material from ELG, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
