Rare Metal Recycling in Chlor-Alkali Industry: Furuya Metal's Ecosystem Initiative
Key Ideas
  • Furuya Metal collaborates with Asahi Kasei, Nobian, and Mastermelt for a rare metal recycling trial in the chlor-alkali industry.
  • The initiative focuses on recycling iridium and ruthenium from electrodes, aiming to achieve a stable supply of these rare metals.
  • Through the recycling process, the companies aim to establish a sustainable ecosystem in the chlor-alkali industry.
  • The project involves collecting used electrodes, separating catalysts, extracting precious metals, and manufacturing recycled-catalyst electrodes for chlor-alkali electrolysis.
Furuya Metal Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Asahi Kasei Corp., Nobian Industrial Chemicals B.V., and Mastermelt Ltd, has initiated a demonstration trial for recycling metals used in chlor-alkali electrolysis cells and electrodes. The focus of this collaborative effort is on the recycling of rare metals like iridium and ruthenium, which are crucial components of electrodes in the chlor-alkali industry. These metals, known for their exceptional properties such as heat and chemical resistance, are vital in various industrial sectors, including green hydrogen and energy. Furuya Metal's expertise in rare metal handling, spanning over four decades, enables the company to provide ultra-high-purity refining and recycling technologies for iridium and ruthenium. With the increasing demand for these rare metals and their limited availability, Furuya Metal has emphasized efficient recycling practices to ensure a steady supply. The initiative aims to address the challenge of securing a stable supply of rare metals in the chlor-alkali industry by implementing a comprehensive metal recycling process. Asahi Kasei will collect used electrodes, Mastermelt and Furuya Metal will extract precious metals from these electrodes, and Asahi Kasei will manufacture recycled-catalyst electrodes for further use in chlor-alkali electrolysis. This collaborative approach promotes resource circulation and contributes to sustainable metal reuse. Through this project, Furuya Metal seeks to enhance the application of iridium and ruthenium in various industries, paving the way for a digital society and a green society. The company's commitment to efficient metal supply and recycling underscores its role in driving sustainability and innovation in the chlor-alkali sector.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.