Nippon Sport Science University’s “Shudan Kodo” (Synchronized Walking) performance never fails to amaze.

Synchronization Creates Sustainable Value

Its powerful, dynamic movements are only possible when each individual moves in harmony and plays their part.

The modern society supported by Mitsubishi Electric functions in the same way — only when people and technology work together can everything truly operate. Without either one, balance cannot be sustained.

We have shaped this harmony of ideas and movement into a tangible form — a symbol of collaboration and sustainable connection.

Recycling Technology & Smart Electrostatic Separation

Mitsubishi Electric has been developing technologies to circulate used plastics as valuable new resources.

In the “PLASTIC RELAY” project, members of Nippon Sport Science University’s Synchronized Walking (Shudan Kodo) team wore shirts in three different colors, representing three different types of plastics.

Their synchronized performance symbolized a relay — illustrating a future in which discarded plastics are accurately sorted using AI, reborn into new products, and, after being used again, transformed once more into further new products.

Recycling Process
High-quality recycling by AI-Powered "Smart Electrostatic Separation"

Collection

End-of-life products are collected as recyclable materials.

Sorting

Single-material components such as circuit boards, as well as non-combustible items such as batteries, are manually dismantled and sorted.

Shredding

After initial sorting, components are loaded into a shredder and separated by material type, such as metals and resins.

Manufactured Materials

Sorted single-material plastics are processed into new recycled materials.

Product Manufacturing

Recycled materials are used to manufacture new products such as home appliances and automobiles.

Usage

Products are used by businesses and consumers.

Smart Electrostatic Separation Powered by AI

"Smart Electrostatic Separation" powered by AI combines multiple sensing technologies with AI to automatically optimize sorting conditions based on the input material. It requires no specialized know-how and delivers consistently high purity and recovery rates.

What sparked the creation of this "Smart Electrostatic Separation" technology?
And where is it heading next? 
Three members of the development team share their passionate thoughts on the future of plastic recycling that Mitsubishi Electric should pursue.

Plastic Relay is more than a project — it represents Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to building a sustainable resource circulation system, where technology and people work together to create a greener future for the next generation.