On the second day of the BIR Convention in Bangkok, the venue buzzed with activity as recyclers, traders, and technology providers from around the world showcased their solutions. Across the lounge and exhibition areas, lively business meetings and technical exchanges took place throughout the day.
The IRuniverse editorial team visited the booths of leading companies, including Danieli and Tanaka/Austin AI, while also speaking with exhibitors and participants from Korea and India who expressed strong interest in expanding into the Japanese market.
Tanaka/Austin AI – Introducing LIBS-Based Automatic Aluminum Scrap Sorting Technology
The IRuniverse team visited Tanaka Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd. (Tanaka) and Austin AI Inc. (USA) to learn more about their latest aluminum scrap automatic sorting technology.
In October 2024, Tanaka signed a business partnership agreement with Austin AI. Under this agreement, Tanaka serves as the official distributor and service provider in Japan, responsible for installation, maintenance, inspection, and after-sales support of Austin AI’s LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy)-based aluminum scrap sorting systems.
Austin AI, headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a global leader in sensor-based sorting technologies. Its LIBS system uses laser pulses to analyze the plasma emission spectrum generated from the scrap surface, enabling instant identification of aluminum alloys and trace elements.
As global demand grows for high-efficiency recycling of light metals, this partnership marks an important step toward advancing high-value recycling technologies in the Japanese market.
Danieli – Italian-Japanese Collaboration Driving the Future of Green Steel
Similarly, Italy’s Danieli, a leading company engaged in the design, manufacturing, sales, and installation of machinery and plants for the metallurgical industry, also had an exhibition booth at the venue.
Danieli made headlines earlier this year as a sponsor of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, where it hosted a unique concert featuring sounds generated by its digital electric furnace as musical instruments—symbolizing innovation and sustainability through technology.
At the BIR booth, Mr. Omar from Danieli remarked,
“We believe collaboration between Italian and Japanese companies can bring revolutionary solutions to the green steel sector.”
Danieli’s technologies, which combine environmental responsibility with high efficiency, are expected to further expand their presence in Japan’s recycling and steelmaking industries.
In addition, Mr. Izumi, President of Danieli Japan, is scheduled to speak at the upcoming Circular Economy Symposium in Nagoya this November, where he will introduce Danieli’s latest recycling machinery.
The event is anticipated to strengthen Japan–Italy technological cooperation in the field of green steel.
A C L Metals Private Ltd (India) – Recycling 1,000 Tons of Aluminum Cable Scrap per Month
A C L Metals Private Ltd., based in Ahmedabad, India, operates an aluminum cable recycling business and has shown keen interest in building new partnerships with Japan.
The company currently collects 700–1,000 tons of aluminum cable scrap per month, stripping and processes it at its own facilities, and produces secondary aluminum wire rod and plastic materials are also recycled, ensuring full resource recovery.
Managing director, Chandan Shah explained:
“We are looking for insulated aluminum cables rather than steel-reinforced ones (ACSR). This allows us to reuse the plastic and maintain the quality of aluminum.”
Video demonstrations showcased an efficient circular process—from cable input and plastic stripping to steel recovery.
At present, 100% of A C L Metals Private Ltd’s raw materials are imported, mainly from Spain, the USA, and Austria. Imports from Japan have declined due to reduced domestic scrap availability, but the company expressed a strong desire to resume imports from Japan in the near future.
Founded as a family-run aluminum foil manufacturer, A C L Metals Private Ltd has now grown into a group of over 25 small, medium, and big companies.
“We launched our recycling division in 2021. Through recycled aluminum, we aim to give back to society.”
Chandan also expressed interest in participating in the upcoming Tokyo Battery Summit scheduled for March 2026.
ECOYA EXPORT (Korea) – Transforming Recycling Traceability with IT, GPS, and Blockchain
ECOYA EXPORT, developed by HRM Corporation in Korea, is an advanced digital platform designed to enhance the traceability and certification of recycled materials. The system, already introduced in Korea, integrates IT, GPS, blockchain, and real-time data tracking to provide transparent and verifiable recycling processes.
With ECOYA EXPORT, yard operators can efficiently create Certificates of Origin and CRF reports, while the system automatically tracks and records logistics data. Its QR code–based, login-free interface ensures ease of use, allowing operators and clients to access information instantly.
ECOYA EXPORT is now expanding Chinese and Japanese language support, aiming to reach a wider East Asian market. The company offers a six-month trial period for new users, reflecting strong confidence in its digital traceability solutions.
While ECOYA EXPORT focuses on traceability and certification, the European company Safi—also present at BIR’s networking events—specializes in material identification and analysis, illustrating how digital innovation is reshaping transparency and accountability in the global recycling industry.
The sales manager, Mr. Teddy Ju, mentioned that he is considering participation as a speaker at the Circular Economy Symposium in Nagoya next month. IRuniverse hopes the symposium will serve as the first step in introducing ECOYA’s technology to the Japanese market.
Conclusion – “Digital × Green” Emerging as the New Industry Trend
The BIR Bangkok 2025 convention highlighted not only advancements in recycling technology but also the rise of AI, digitalization, and automation as key industry trends.
IRuniverse will continue to follow these developments and report on how cutting-edge technologies introduced through BIR are being adopted and localized within the Japanese recycling industry.
(IRuniverse – R.S.)
