Global First: Four Japanese Companies Launch Dental Zirconia Waste Recycling Project, Aiming for Commercialization by 2028

DentalGoodNews｜On May 21, 2026, Shofu Inc., Tosoh Corporation, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., and Orbray Co., Ltd. jointly announced the launch of a verification project for recycling Zirconia waste generated during the production of dental prostheses. The project aims to establish the world's first circular system for dental Zirconia waste, with a target for practical application by 2028.

According to Mitsui Chemicals, Zirconia, due to its high strength and excellent aesthetics, is a core material for dental restorations such as Dental Crowns and bridges. Currently, restorations are primarily produced by CAD/CAM milling of disc-shaped Zirconia blocks. However, in existing processing techniques, approximately 80% of the material from each Zirconia disc becomes waste during the milling process.

Against this backdrop, the four companies have decided to form a consortium with a division of labor to collaboratively build a full-chain system from waste collection to commercial regeneration. Specifically, Shofu will be responsible for collecting Zirconia waste generated from its sold products; Tosoh will utilize its proprietary Zirconia Refine Technology to regenerate the waste into Zirconia raw material; Orbray will handle the re-forming of the regenerated powder into Zirconia blocks and their commercialization; and Mitsui Chemicals will provide project operational support and other assistance.

It is reported that the project will collaborate deeply with end-users such as dental Denture fabrication laboratories to construct a circular economy model for the dental industry, aiming to reduce material waste and environmental burden while enhancing industry sustainability. Technical verification work has officially commenced. The project plans to advance toward practical application in fiscal year 2028 after completing the verification of the collection, regeneration, and re-forming processes.