The Circular Economy is an economic system designed to preserve the value of products, materials, and resources for as long as possible while minimizing waste. The familiar “3Rs” (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) have long served as core principles of waste reduction, but the circular economy goes further. It not only focuses on reducing the volume of new resources used and consumption but also supports job creation in emerging industries. Building a fully circular economy is challenging and will depend on continued technological progress.

An economy built on a linear flow of mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal places a heavy burden on both resources and the environment. In contrast, a circular economy aims to achieve sustainability by decoupling resource use and environmental impact from economic activity. It does this through efficient, circular use of resources and by making better use of existing materials and products already in circulation.

Leveraging its strengths in “Observation, Measurement, and Analysis,” Hitachi High‑Tech helps customers advance the Circular Economy by developing technologies that address and reduce environmental challenges.

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  Material and product redesign technology (Eco-design)

  Development and modular design of lightweight, highly durable materials
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  Advanced recycling technology

  Hydrometallurgical recycling that reduces CO₂ emissions through aqueous processing, and chemical recycling that breaks down plastics for reuse
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  Reuse / Repurpose technology

  Promoting reuse and repurposing through second‑life batteries, functionality testing, and degradation analysis
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  Biomaterials and biotechnology

  Developing biodegradable materials to replace petroleum‑based plastics, and advancing waste breakdown and resource recovery through biodegradation technologies