Epson Atmix Corporation, a subsidiary of Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724), has completed construction of a state-of-the-art metal recycling plant at Kita-Inter Plant No. 2, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices.
The project, launched in October 2023, represents a 5.5 billion yen investment in facilities and production technology. The new plant will recycle used metals from within the Epson Group and from the local community to manufacture raw materials for metal powder production, reducing reliance on virgin resources such as blast furnace iron.
This initiative aligns with Epson’s Environmental Vision 2050, which targets carbon-negative operations and becoming underground resource-free by mid-century. As the risks of mass production, waste, and resource depletion grow more acute, Epson is intensifying its focus on materials innovation to drive environmental sustainability.
“Through this investment, we’re closing the loop on our own material use while contributing to community-wide recycling and CO₂ reduction,” the company said in a statement.
Atmix has been a key player in metal powder manufacturing, with applications in areas such as metal injection molding (MIM). Since 2020, it has repurposed silicon wafers from Epson’s semiconductor operations. The new plant extends this model, processing a wide range of metal waste—from out-of-specification powders and production scraps to discarded molds and offcuts from Epson facilities.
These recycled inputs will be refined on-site using proprietary technologies, then reused at Atmix’s headquarters and other production plants. The result is a stable supply of high-quality metal powders, essential for next-generation energy-efficient and compact devices.
Beyond internal benefits, the plant is expected to support regional recycling systems, reflecting Epson’s broader vision to enrich communities while preserving the planet. The facility will act as a central hub for resource circulation, supporting local industries with access to recycled materials.
By investing in advanced recycling infrastructure and moving away from extraction-based supply chains, Epson continues to demonstrate environmental leadership in the tech and manufacturing sectors.
The launch of the Kita-Inter Plant No. 2 recycling facility represents not only a step toward Epson’s 2050 environmental targets, but also a model for sustainable manufacturing in a resource-constrained world.
