Since its inception in 1935 as Sugiyama Yohachi Shoten in Sakhalin, Japan, MATEC Inc. (MATEC) has embarked on a remarkable journey of evolution and growth. Over the decades, the company underwent multiple transformations, eventually becoming MATEC Inc. in 1992. This vehicle recycling operation has become integral to the automotive industry’s sustainable practices. Auto Recycling World learns more about MATEC’s history, practices, and future endeavors.
MATEC Inc.’s Early Years and Expansion
MATEC Inc. was founded in 1935 as Sugiyama Yohachi Shoten in Sakhalin. The company underwent several changes over the years, becoming Sugiyama Kinzoku Shoji Co., Ltd. in 1960 and (Hachi) Sugiyama Shoten Co., Ltd. in 1965. It continued to expand its operations, opening branches and offices in Kushiro, Chitose, Asahikawa, Sunagawa, Sapporo, Ishikari and other locations.
In 1992, the company introduced a new corporate identity and changed its name to MATEC Inc. – Matec is the abbreviation of Material Creation.
The early 2000s saw significant developments; the need to reduce shredder dust generated from end-of-life vehicles increased due to a shortage of final disposal sites for industrial waste. In addition, the rising cost of final disposal and the slump in steel scrap prices led to a noticeable reverse charge for end-of-life vehicles, raising concerns about illegal dumping and improper disposal. Therefore, it was necessary to recycle and dispose of end-of-life vehicles properly by obliging the relevant parties, mainly vehicle manufacturers, to play an appropriate role.
An ELV dismantling factory was opened in Ishikari, and controlled and stable final disposal sites were established in Tomakomai.
MATEC is committed to environmental and occupational health and safety standards. It has been certified to ISO and OHSAS standards, including ISO45001 and ISO14001. The company has continued to grow, opening new factories, offices, and branches. It is dedicated to innovative solutions and expansion and has made a notable presence in the industry while upholding its values and commitment to responsible business practices.
Innovations in Recycling Materials from Vehicles
In order to reduce the amount of ASR generated, plastics and glass are collected during the dismantling process and recycled as materials, PP materials are pelletized by removing foreign substances to increase their material value.
The benefits of in-house recycled product production
Traditional Japanese industry seems to be suffering from the fact that traditional Japanese industrial products are inevitably more expensive than mass-produced products because of the time and effort required to produce them. Building a brand may be more attractive to consumers. In the Japanese market, there is a strong tendency to value low prices, so the company hopes that the quality of craftsmanship that takes time and effort will spread and that awareness of recycling will increase.
EV Recycling Research and Planning
Research is being conducted in the recycling of EV and hybrid vehicles, e.g. electric motors, which contain neodymium and rebuilding and recycling technologies for nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries.
MATEC is also planning battery-specific treatment facilities based on forecasts of the number of hybrid and electric vehicles that will be generated as end-of-life vehicles.
MATEC: The Future of Vehicle Recycling in Japan
MATEC believes they must create a system in which the resources from end-of-life vehicles can be recycled correctly in Japan. By strengthening cooperation in the industry and developing recycling technology, MATEC aims to be the recycling company of choice for car manufacturers and to contribute to society.
To find out more about MATEC, please visit matec-inc.co.jp
