リコー　環境・エネルギー事業センター List of Products and Services

We would like to introduce a case study of the introduction of the "RICOH Resin Identification Handheld Sensor" at Nippon Tokushu Tōgyō Co., Ltd. At the company's Komaki plant, 111 tons of waste plastic are generated annually, and until now, thermal recycling has been conducted. However, they have decided to aim for the monetization of waste plastics. After the introduction of the RICOH handheld sensor, they were able to accurately sort materials, resulting in the monetization of 20 tons of waste plastic out of the 111 tons. 【Previous Challenges】 - They aimed to transition from thermal recycling of 111 tons of waste plastic to monetization. - To have recyclers accept the materials for a fee, sorting by material type is necessary, but there are limitations to manual sorting. - There was a lack of awareness regarding the sorting of waste that could be monetized among the production staff, necessitating a change in mindset across various production departments. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us. ★ Webinar Announcement! ★ We will hold a webinar introducing other case studies. For more details, please refer to the related link or feel free to contact us. Date: December 11 (Wednesday) 15:00 - 15:50 Participation fee: Free

• Optical Measuring Instruments

We would like to introduce a case study on the introduction of the "RICOH Resin Identification Handheld Sensor" to Nichirei Shinka Co., Ltd. The backing paper of the company's main products, seal and label materials, is a composite material of paper and resin, which has been discarded and incinerated in large quantities without being collected and reused as a resource. Driven by the desire to eliminate the disposal of label backing paper and recycle it as a resource, we launched the horizontal recycling project for label backing paper, called the "Resource Circulation Project." Additionally, we will hold a webinar titled "Promoting Material Recycling of Plastics." In addition to case studies from various companies, we will invite Nichirei Shinka to share practical examples of material recycling. [Case Study Overview (Partial)] ■ Challenges - Traditionally, label backing paper has been discarded in large quantities without recycling, highlighting the need to establish a resource circulation system. ■ Implementation Effects - It has become easy and efficient to identify the materials of the collected "recycling-specific backing paper," playing an essential role in the establishment of the "Resource Circulation Project" scheme. *For more details, please refer to the related links or feel free to contact us.

• Technical Seminar

You can utilize the business improvement subsidy for the introduction of the resin identification handheld sensor handled by Ricoh Company, Ltd. By using the business improvement subsidy before the minimum wage increase, you can enjoy benefits such as cost reduction, efficiency improvement, human resource development, compliance with laws and regulations, enhancement of social evaluation, and strengthening of competitiveness. You will need to fill out the application form yourself, but if you have any questions or need consultation, please contact our office. 【Subsidy Rate】 ■ Under 900 yen: 9/10 ■ 900 yen to under 950 yen: 4/5 (9/10) ■ 950 yen and above: 3/4 (4/5) *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

• Plastic utensils and containers
• Analytical Equipment and Devices

Due to mass production and mass consumption in modern times, the speed of consumption is increasing to the point where it seems likely to destroy natural resources in the future. Currently, marine resources are gradually being ravaged by plastic waste in the ocean. When faced with such a situation, many people are likely to feel anxiety and a sense of crisis. In response to these issues, global initiatives such as the SDGs are being implemented. To fundamentally resolve environmental problems, it is necessary to transition to a circular economy, where the elimination of waste and pollution becomes the guiding principle. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related links. For further information, feel free to contact us.*

• Sensors

Plastic refers to synthetic resins that are scientifically synthesized mainly from raw materials such as petroleum. Synthetic resins possess the properties of resins that are scientifically synthesized from raw materials like petroleum. Due to its characteristics such as being lightweight, water-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and insulating, plastic is used in a wide range of fields including packaging materials, construction materials, electrical and electronic devices, automotive parts, and everyday goods. It has low manufacturing costs and is suitable for mass production, making it convenient and highly economical. *For more detailed information, please refer to the related links. Feel free to contact us for further inquiries.*

• Sensors

Discarded plastics are causing serious problems in both municipal and industrial waste. Globally, approximately 350 million tons of plastic are discarded each year. Only about 9% of this plastic is recycled. Due to the current situation where about half is directly landfilled and around 20% is not properly managed, the outflow of plastics into the environment is increasing significantly. In particular, in low- to middle-income countries, the management of plastic waste is inadequate, which is one of the main causes of plastic leakage into oceans and other areas. *For more details on the column, please refer to the related link. Feel free to contact us for more information.*

• Sensors

The identification principle is a spectroscopic method using near-infrared light. The measurement involves irradiating the resin with near-infrared light and acquiring the spectrum of the diffuse reflected light. The obtained spectrum is transferred to a smartphone, where it is processed by an app, and the resin is identified by comparing the correlation coefficient with the registered resin data. Identification is completed in about 2 seconds, and the results are displayed on the app screen as well as outputted via voice. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.

• Sensors

Ricoh's resin identification sensor irradiates the target object with infrared light and receives the diffused reflected light to identify the resin. For resins like white, diffused reflected light can be obtained, but in the case of transparent resin, the irradiated light passes through, making it impossible to obtain diffused reflected light. Therefore, when measuring transparent resin, the included reflection plate is used. *For detailed content of the column, please refer to the related links. For more information, feel free to contact us.

• Sensors

We would like to introduce a case study of the implementation of the "RICOH Resin Identification Handheld Sensor" at Takeda Corporation. The company develops and plans its products in-house, while manufacturing is done at overseas partner factories. They faced challenges with time lags and costs associated with external material inspections. Previously, inspections took about two weeks, but after implementation, results can now be obtained in just a few seconds, significantly improving speed. [Challenges] - Due to the increasing consumer interest in quality and materials, there was a need to strengthen quality control. - Relying on third-party organizations for material inspections took about two weeks to receive results, lacking in speed. - When sending samples for external inspection, there were specifications regarding the size and shape of the submissions, necessitating the processing/destruction of sample products. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Sensors

We would like to introduce the utilization proposal for the "Resin Identification Handy Sensor" that we handle. It is effective for challenges such as "wanting to understand the materials used in equipment that comply with HACCP" and "external inspection agencies cannot identify materials non-destructively." Since it allows for non-destructive identification of materials in food manufacturing equipment, it enables reliable quality control. [Overview] ■ Challenge: Unable to identify plastic materials of existing equipment ■ Solution - On-site material identification - Quality control can be performed - Reduction of inspection outsourcing costs *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Sensors

We would like to introduce the utilization of our "Resin Identification Handy Sensor." This is effective for challenges such as "the types of packaging materials handled vary by supplier, but since the materials cannot be identified, we incur disposal costs by incinerating them." Identifying the material takes only 2 seconds. By simply using the sensor, you can determine the type of plastic, allowing for sorting by material and enabling recycling or valuable recovery. Let's redirect the plastics that have been simply discarded to recycling! *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Analytical Equipment and Devices

With the resin identification handheld sensor, it becomes possible to tackle the sorting of waste plastics at each site level on construction sites! ■Challenges So Far On construction sites, waste plastics have been disposed of together, and efforts toward recycling have not progressed. ■Effects of the Resin Identification Handheld Sensor Identifying materials takes just 2 seconds. By simply applying the sensor, materials can be identified, and by installing sorting collection boxes, efficient sorting has become possible. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other inspection equipment and devices

We would like to introduce the utilization proposal for our "Resin Identification Handheld Sensor." This is effective for addressing the issue of collectively disposing of plastic waste and offcuts generated in our own factory's production process. By sorting the materials that should be discarded, we can achieve cost savings of millions. Please feel free to contact us when you need assistance. 【Overview】 ■ Issue: Collectively disposing of waste and offcuts generated in our own factory ■ Solution: Sorting materials to be discarded, achieving cost savings of millions *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Spectroscopic Analysis Equipment

We would like to introduce a case study of the implementation of the "RICOH Resin Identification Handheld Sensor" at Nichirei Shinkawa Co., Ltd. The backing paper for the company's main products, seal and label materials, is a composite material of paper and resin, which has been discarded and incinerated in large quantities without being collected and reused as a resource. In response, we launched the horizontal recycling "Resource Circulation Project" for label backing paper. Our product plays a crucial role in accurately identifying the materials of the label backing paper. [Case Overview] ■ Challenges - As society as a whole works towards achieving the goals of the SDGs, label backing paper has been discarded in large quantities without recycling, highlighting the need to establish a resource circulation system. - To achieve a high level of recycling, it was necessary to accurately determine whether the collected "recycling-specific backing paper" is made of the unique material "Kamis Shine." *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Sensors

We would like to introduce a case study on the introduction of the "RICOH Resin Discrimination Handy Sensor" in the efforts of Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd. for the separation of waste plastics. The company is promoting initiatives to enhance the accuracy of sorting on-site and aims to gradually expand material recycling and chemical recycling from feasible points, while exploring specific methods. By introducing our handy sensor, sorting has become possible for anyone by using the sensor for identification and displaying samples with photos. 【Case Overview】 ■ Previous Issues - In construction sites, waste plastics were disposed of in a single container and collected as is, with no initiatives for recycling being advanced. ■ Implementation Effects - Sorting of four frequently generated types of waste plastics can now be done instantly, accelerating verification towards improving material recycling and chemical recycling rates. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• PDAs and handheld terminals

We would like to introduce a case study from Meiwa Pax Co., Ltd. that solved the challenges of material identification accuracy for the valuable trading of multi-material waste films and improving recycling rates. The company faced difficulties in sorting and collecting waste plastic films that had become leftover materials and offcuts, as the materials were not easily identifiable. As a result, valuable trading and recycling became impossible. By introducing the "RICOH Resin Identification Handheld Sensor," the accuracy of polypropylene identification improved, leading to a recovery rate of up to 90%. [Previous Challenges] - Waste plastic films that had undergone processing, such as laminating and printing, could not be identified by material type, making it impossible to sort and collect them for valuable trading or recycling. - The recycling recovery rate and valuable trading rate for polypropylene remained around 10%, indicating a need for reform. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.*

• PDAs and handheld terminals

We would like to introduce a case study on the introduction of the "RICOH Resin Identification Handy Sensor B150" at East Japan Recycling Systems Co., Ltd. The company previously used identification equipment that weighed around 2 kg, which was very heavy and posed a significant burden on workers who had to identify 300 to 350 items per day. After the introduction of the new sensor, the compact and lightweight design improved work efficiency, reducing the work time by about half. Additionally, the types of resins identified are now displayed, eliminating the hassle of switching screens and shortening measurement time. 【Previous Challenges】 - The weight of the previously used identification equipment was heavy, placing a large burden on workers. - The size of the previously used identification equipment was large, requiring careful selection of a place to temporarily set it down during work. - When the type of resin could not be identified, workers had to switch screens to check the most likely materials, leading to concerns about identification accuracy. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.*

• Optical Measuring Instruments

The "RICOH HANDY PLASTIC SENSOR B150" is a handheld resin identification sensor that allows for the quick and easy identification of various types of plastics. It features a lightweight and compact design that can be handled with one hand. Since resin identification can be performed on-site, there is no need to take samples back, contributing to an efficient workflow. Once the power is turned on, simply place the resin to be identified against the measurement area and press the measurement button. We have pursued a simple operability so that many people can easily use it. 【Features】 ■ Compact and always portable ■ Simple operability that is easy for beginners as well as experts ■ Wireless connection with smartphones ■ Application that informs results through voice and screen ■ Selection of identification model data to improve resin identification efficiency *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• plastic

The "Resin Identification Handy Sensor" is a lightweight and compact product that can be handled with one hand. It allows for on-the-spot resin identification, eliminating the need to take samples back, thus contributing to an efficient workflow. Once the power is turned on, simply place the resin you want to identify against the measurement section and press the measurement button. We have pursued a simple operability so that anyone can use it easily. 【Features】 ■ Safe design intended for both indoor and outdoor use ■ Wireless connection that is not cumbersome during operation ■ Ergonomic shape that is easy to grip even while wearing work gloves ■ Standard registration of 13 commonly used resin data types ■ Ability to add up to 100 types of custom data *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• plastic

The "Resin Identification Handy Sensor" is a product that allows for quick identification of various incoming materials, with results available in just 2 seconds. It features a lightweight and compact design that can be handled with one hand. Simply take it to the field, place the resin you want to identify against the measurement area, and press the measurement button. We have independently developed an optical engine that has achieved miniaturization and significant cost reduction. 【Features】 ■ Standard registration of 13 commonly used resin data types ■ Ability to add up to 100 custom data types ■ Capable of determining mixed resins and calculating their ratios ■ Ability to save images of the measured resins ■ Data can be exported to a computer *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• plastic

The "Resin Identification Handy Sensor" is a product that allows for easy measurement and sorting. It features a lightweight and compact size that can be handled with one hand. You can take it to various locations and explore recycling possibilities. There are many types of plastics, and by sorting them by type, they can be purchased as resources. 【Features】 - Standard registration of 13 commonly used resin data - Ability to add up to 100 unique data types - Safe design intended for both indoor and outdoor use - Data can be exported to a computer *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• plastic

We would like to introduce a case study utilizing the "Resin Discrimination Handy Sensor" for the identification of waste plastic from scrap materials and offcuts. In this case, scrap materials generated in our factory and offcuts produced during the manufacturing process are being disposed of collectively, leading to a lack of proper sorting. By sorting the scrap materials and offcuts, they can be handed over to an intermediate processing company, reducing processing costs and allowing for valuable transactions. [Case Overview] ■ Target Companies: Plastic product manufacturers, package printing manufacturers, electronics manufacturers ■ Challenge: Collective disposal of scrap materials and offcuts, lack of sorting ■ Effect: Sorting materials that should be disposed of, resulting in cost savings of several million yen *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• plastic

We would like to introduce a case study on the use of the "Resin Discrimination Handy Sensor" for identifying packaging materials. The types of packaging materials handled vary by supplier, but due to the vast quantity and the labor-intensive sorting process, there are cases where they are simply discarded. By just applying the sensor, the material can be identified instantly and accurately. With data accumulation, trends in the materials used by each supplier can also be understood, enabling valuable transactions that were not possible before. [Case Overview] ■ Target Companies: Food manufacturers, automotive manufacturers, electronics manufacturers ■ Challenge: A wide variety of materials from each supplier, which cannot be identified in-house ■ Effect: Materials that could not be identified before can be specified in just 2 seconds *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• plastic

We would like to introduce a case study on the use of the "Resin Discrimination Handy Sensor" in quality inspections of incoming goods from both domestic and international sources. When accepting recycled products or parts manufactured overseas, there is a lack of know-how in quality inspection, leading to the use of external organizations. This sometimes results in the need for on-site visits to factories both domestically and internationally for sampling inspections. Even toy parts, which have strict standards, can be easily inspected, ensuring product quality and preventing unnecessary costs. 【Case Overview】 ■ Target Companies: Plastic product manufacturers, electronics manufacturers, toy manufacturers, cosmetics manufacturers ■ Challenges: Quality inspections are outsourced, with on-site visits required for sampling inspections ■ Benefits: In-house quality inspections, reducing outsourcing and travel costs *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• plastic

We would like to introduce a case study on the use of the "Resin Discrimination Handheld Sensor" in the acceptance/shipping inspection of recycled pellets. There are cases where variations in the PP and PE ratios occur during the crushing and molding processes of recycled pellets. When the purity of the target material decreases, it ultimately affects the quality of the finished product. Therefore, inspections are conducted during the shipping and acceptance of recycled pellets to categorize them by grade. By using pellets with consistent purity of PP and PE, the quality of recycled material products is stabilized. 【Case Overview】 ■ Target Companies: Pellet manufacturers, waste plastic recycling manufacturers ■ Challenges: Inconsistent purity of PP and PE affecting the quality of recycled material products ■ Effects: Identification by grade to provide products with consistent quality *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• plastic

We would like to introduce a case study of using the "resin identification handheld sensor" as a tool in experiential environmental education. Education about recycling tends to become a one-sided lecture with only blackboard writing or slides. By holding the sensor and experiencing sorting, knowledge acquisition is accelerated. Participants become aware of the reality that recyclable materials are being discarded and learn that sorting can be easily done due to technological advancements, which raises their awareness of environmental conservation. [Case Overview] ■ Target Institutions: Schools, local governments, environmental organizations ■ Challenge: Difficult to relate to environmental learning that is primarily classroom-based ■ Effect: Learning in a fun and active way that can be applied to daily actions *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• plastic

We would like to introduce a case study of the implementation of a "resin identification sensor" at a plastic material manufacturer. At this company, they were unable to determine whether the unknown resins among the waste plastics generated in the factory were suitable for valuable transactions, leading to uniform disposal and significant disposal costs. After the introduction of the resin identification sensor, it became possible to identify previously unknown plastics on-site, achieving both an expansion of valuable transactions and a reduction in disposal costs. [Case Overview] ■ Challenges - Among the waste plastics generated in the factory, there was no way to determine whether the unknown resins were suitable for valuable transactions, resulting in significant disposal costs. ■ Effects - It became possible to identify previously unknown plastics on-site, simultaneously achieving an expansion of valuable transactions and a reduction in disposal costs. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• plastic

We would like to introduce a case study of the implementation of a "resin identification sensor" at a plastic product manufacturer. The company conducted random inspections of products manufactured overseas after they were received and outsourced quality checks. Inefficient inspection operations and costs were problematic. After the introduction of the resin identification sensor, the company internalized random inspections and quality checks, achieving operational efficiency. The lead time to shipment and inventory days were reduced. 【Case Overview】 ■ Issues - After receiving products manufactured overseas, the company conducted random inspections internally and outsourced quality checks, leading to inefficient inspection operations and costs. ■ Effects - Internalization of random inspections and quality checks, achieving operational efficiency. - Reduction in lead time to shipment and inventory days. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• plastic

We would like to introduce a case where a "resin identification sensor" was implemented by an intermediate processing company. In this company, when collecting waste plastics, analysis was necessary for unknown resins, which required bringing them back to their facility for purchasing decisions. The labor costs and time associated with transportation and analysis were challenges. After the introduction of the resin identification sensor, they were able to respond quickly to purchasing decisions and estimate proposals at the customer's site without keeping them waiting, achieving standardization of staff skills and improved customer satisfaction. 【Case Overview】 ■ Challenges - Analysis was necessary for unknown resins during waste plastic collection, requiring them to be brought back for purchasing decisions. ■ Effects - Quick response to purchasing decisions and estimate proposals at the customer's site without keeping them waiting. - Achieved standardization of staff skills and improved customer satisfaction. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• plastic

In the materials provided by our company regarding the "Cost-effectiveness of Introducing Resin Identification Sensors," we have included a simulation sheet for actual calculations. We have prepared items for estimation based on various patterns, including "Testing with valuable transactions of waste plastics," "Testing by in-house inspection," and "Testing in purchasing operations." By utilizing this sheet, which allows calculations based on your conditions, you can estimate the effects obtained before and after implementation. Please use it in conjunction with your company's budget and operational process challenges. 【Simulation Items】 ■ Testing with valuable transactions of waste plastics ■ Testing by in-house inspection ■ Testing in purchasing operations *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• plastic