About Pana-chemical -
Our past, present, and future are rooted in EPS.
Founded as a chemical materials distributor for Matsushita Electric Works (now Panasonic),Pana-chemical evolved by addressing one of Japan's early environmental challenges—massive EPS(expanded polystyrene) waste at Tokyo's Tsukiji Market.
We developed a pioneering recycling system that heats and compresses used EPS into ingots—a method that has become a Japanese standard. Over time, this unique J-EPS Recycling system grew to become Japan's largest EPS recycling network, processing over 30,000 tons annually and covering more than 80% of the domestic market.
Today, Panachemical is recognized globally as one of Japan's leading EPS recyclers. Our technology and infrastructure support not only domestic circulation, but also international efforts toward sustainable plastics management.
Years
50
of experience in
recycling resource plastic
7000
Metric Tons
per month of plastic purchase record
2000
Companies
Recycling machines installed by
Throughout Japan
Resource Plastic® and Isagiyoi Recycle®(Graceful recycle)
In 2017, China's National Sword (国門利剣), a regulation on the import of recycled resources, was announced, changing the global plastic recycling trend.
Our long-held principles of “plastic recycling with an emphasis on quality” and “exports of recycled plastic that impose a burden on other countries will not be sustained” were brought to attention, and “Resource Plastic®” became a common industry perception as a keyword to embody these principles.
In 2018, we established the Japan Recyclable Plastic Association with like-minded industry colleagues, consultants, processing equipment manufacturers, and customers. As a professional organization providing legal, technical, and business advice in the field of recyclable plastics, we were actively involved in the development of Japan's Basel Export Standard Guidelines, which were enacted in 2020.
In addition, in today's increasingly complex world, we emphasize the viewpoint that “the destination of plastics should be considered from the perspective of both economic rationality and technological appropriateness,” and have introduced a new keyword, "Isagiyoi recycle®(graceful recycling).
Stable supply through trusted partnerships
Our recycling journey began in 1978 with Japan's first EPS recovery operation in the Tokyo market. From the beginning, we have provided a fully integrated system—offering recycling machines and collecting compressed EPS blocks.
This stable infrastructure has grown over decades, supported by a nationwide network of reliable suppliers. It enables us to consistently deliver high-quality recycled plastics, trusted by clients in Japan and abroad.
Pana-Chemical in the News
Pana-Chemical has been commended by its suppliers and the media for enduring in an industry in which economic pressures have forced many companies out of business. It has also received many awards for its achievements.
Media Appearances
• TV: NHK, TV Tokyo, TBS, Tokyo MX
• Newspapers: The Nikkei, Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, The Chemical Daily,The Recycling Economy Times
• Magazines: Nikkei Business, Diamond Weekly, Toyo Keizai, Nikkei Ecology,Newsweek
• Poplar Publishing Supplementary Reader • “White Paper on Manufacturing Industries,” “Recycling and the World Economy.”•“ERIA”
Awards
• 1st Plastic Recycling Council Chairman's Award
• WASTEC Award 2006
• Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun Excellence in Business Award
• Tokyo Association of Shinkin Banks Excellent Company Award.
The birth of resource plastic
Long before plastic recycling became common, Panachemical commercialized the buyback and collection model for post-use plastics. That pioneering spirit continues today through our original brand: Resource Plastic.
With a network of 2,000+ suppliers nationwide, we collect up to 7,000 tons of recycled plastics monthly—ensuring a stable supply even in times of market volatility.
Whether you are looking for a dependable source of recycled material or seeking sustainable plastic solutions, Panachemical is your trusted partner.
We welcome your inquiries and look forward to working together toward a circular future.
Company name | Pana Chemical Co., Ltd. |
Head Office | Aimu-kan, 1-8-3 Kamitakaido, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
Established | March 1, 1976 |
Capital | JPY 10 million |
President & CEO | Kentaro Inukai |
Banking Partners | MUFG Bank, Ltd. / Mizuho Bank, Ltd. / Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation |
Affiliated Organizations | General Incorporated Association Resource Plastic Association |
Memberships | Japan Plastics Industry Federation |
Awards | Chairman’s Award, Recycling Promotion Council (currently the 3R Promotion Merit Awards) |
Certifications | Eco Action 21 Certification No.0001711 (Ministry of the Environment) |
Aim Building, 1-8-3 Kamitakaido, Suginami-Ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3302-7531（Reception） Fax:03-3306-0096