ALCONIX Group commences operations on a large-scale "Resource Recycling Yard" in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka

On January 17, 2025, ALCONIX CORPORATION (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and Chief Executive Officer: CEO: Hiroshi Teshirogi, hereafter, our company) opened a large-scale "Resource Recycling Yard" (hereafter, the Yards) near Kitakyushu Eco-Town in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture.

This yard is an important step toward the realization of a recycling-oriented society and circular economy, and aims to contribute to the effective utilization of domestic nonferrous metal resources in addition to reducing the environmental burden.

Increasingly serious social issues surrounding nonferrous metals

In recent years, the public and private sectors have been working together to establish a system for the domestic recycling of nonferrous meatal resources. Behind these efforts are several serious social issues.

First, much of the nonferrous metal raw materials used in Japan, such as aluminum and copper, are dependent on imports, and the refining process of new bullion uses a large amount of energy, resulting in high carbon dioxide emissions.

Furthermore, nonferrous metal scrap has been in constant excess of exports from Japan in recent years*, causing valuable metal resources to flow out of the country. In addition, inadequate management and improper sorting of nonferrous metal scrap reduces recycling efficiency and hinders the effective use of resources.

*Source:
Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, "Mineral Resources Material Flow 2022 1. Copper (Cu)", "Mineral Resources Material Flow 2021 6. Aluminum (Al)"

 

Large site area accelerates domestic circulation of nonferrous metals

In response to this situation, we have established this yard to tackle these social issues head-on by utilizing our experience and expertise in the nonferrous metal scrap business.

The yard has a large area of 9,748 square meters as of January 2025, and aims to nearly double the amount of nonferrous metal scrap collected compared to the FY2023 level.

New challenges with over 40 years of experience and expertise

Nonferrous metal scrap includes a wide variety of items such as auto parts, aluminum sashes, and aluminum cans, and sorting and storing this scrap requires a large area of land and a sophisticated management system and know-how.

We have been proficient in handling nonferrous metal scrap for over 40 years since our founding in 1981.

In addition, ALUMINUM & COPPER RECYCLING CENTER CORPORATION, our group company responsible for the operation of this yard, has built a solid position in the industry by leveraging its on-site cargo collection capabilities cultivated over many years of operation.

By making the most of this experience and expertise, we will respond to the challenges faced in the field of resources recycling and contribute to improving the recycling rate of metal resources in Japan.

 

Outlook for our nonferrous metal recycling business

Starting with the opening of the "Resource Recycling Yard," we aim to horizontally expand our nonferrous metal recycling business with a view to Japan as a whole.

We are also considering diversifying our collection items, such as aluminum contained in waste solar panels, through further expansion of the yard and additional capital investment.

We will continue to work diligently toward the realization of a sustainable society, while fulfilling our responsibilities as a TSE Prime-listed company.

EoD