KUANTAN: The spent catalyst recycling facility, which is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia at the Gebeng Industrial Park here, will commence operations in early 2027.
The state-of-the-art metal recovery centre will be built by Toyo Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd (Toyo-Malaysia), a subsidiary of Toyo Engineering Corporation. The project was awarded by Taiyo Koko Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Taiyo Koko), a subsidiary of Taiyo Koko Co Ltd, Japan.
Taiyo Koko Co Ltd president Kazufumi Suzuki described the strategic collaboration to set up the facility here as a significant milestone in advancing environmental sustainability and fostering a circular economy in Malaysia.
The facility will focus on the efficient recycling of spent catalysts, which are a waste material produced from the cracking of petroleum in oil refineries. The project, which is our first overseas expansion, aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact of spent catalyst disposal by recovering valuable metals and reducing waste.
Apart from enhancing recycling capabilities, the facility aspires to set a new benchmark for environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, driving innovation and responsibility in the recycling sector," he said during the groundbreaking ceremony of the new facility at a hotel here yesterdaytoday.
Pahang Investment, Industries, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib officiated at the eventfacility's groundbreaking here.
Meanwhile, Suzuki said the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for the facility was signed on Nov 27 this year and followed by the groundbreaking ceremony yesterdaytoday (Dec 18).
"Toyo-Malaysia has always been supporting Taiyo Koko to realise their first overseas expansions over the years since its conceptual planning phase. The commercial operation for the facility in Gebeng facility is targeted in the first quarter of 2027." he said.
Founded in 1949, Suzuki said Taiyo Koko has displayed a continuous growth in the manufacturing of rare metals and rare earths since the commercialisation of its proprietary technology to recover rare metals from spent catalysts across Japan in 1978.
"The company's innovative processes enable the extraction and recovery of molybdenum and vanadium from heavy fuel desulfurization desulfurisation catalysts used at oil refineries.
"Taiyo Koko's recycle system does not only safeguard the environment but also ensures a stable supply of precious metals through advanced recovery and purification technologies," he said.
"The approach supports resource conservation and enhances supply chain stability on a global scale. The facility here demonstrates its commitment in sharing its expertise and driving sustainable development internationally." he said.
Toyo-Malaysia, a prominent engineering firm, is dedicated to executing projects that adhere to the highest standards of safety, quality, and sustainability.
Meanwhile, Nizar expressed his excitement with Taiyo Koko for selecting Pahang to house their spent catalyst recycling facility that would transform waste streams into sustainable solutions.
"We welcome the investment from Japan, which will not only ensure economic spillovers but create job opportunities and pave the way for more Japanese investors to set up businesses in Pahang," he said.