TDK is the first in the industry to recycle PET film used in multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCCs)

TDK has established a recycling system that is the first in the industry to reuse the PET film used in the manufacturing process of multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCCs). *1

Generally speaking, the surface of waste PET films generated during the MLCC manufacturing process is specially treated and cannot be reused without any further treatment. Therefore, the mainstream practice is to heat recover or incinerate them.

In contrast, the new TDK system washes the surface of waste PET film, restores it to PET plastic form (as pellets), and makes it into film by PET film manufacturer TORAY Corporation. TDK then purchases the film and applies special treatment to it so that it can be used again in the manufacturing process. The recycled PET film used in this system reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 10% compared to conventional PET film. *2

The system will be officially launched in phases starting in January 2022. TDK will first use recycled PET film for MLCC. When expanding to products other than MLCC, TDK will increase the use of recycled PET film to 20% to further reduce waste and CO2.

As one of TDK's management challenges to achieve sustainable development in society, "coexisting harmoniously with the global environment", the TDK Group has achieved the goals set in 2014 "TDK Environmental Activities 2020" ahead of schedule. As the next environmental vision, we have formulated "TDK Environmental Vision 2035" and set a new goal of "reducing the ecological footprint by halving CO2 emissions by fiscal 2035 compared to fiscal 2014." The company will further contribute to the achievement of this goal and strive to assume its responsibility as a technology company in this field, minimize the environmental footprint of our business activities, cultivate the natural environment, and provide products that contribute to customers and society.

*1 Source: TDK, as of December 2021

*2 Carbon dioxide generated during the manufacturing process of PET film. Survey conducted by TORAY Corporation

• PET: Abbreviation for polyethylene terephthalate.

• Heat recovery: Rather than simply burning the waste, the heat energy generated during the incineration process is collected and utilized.

• Reusing PET film that would normally be incinerated

• Reduce carbon dioxide produced during PET film manufacturing by approximately 10%