Iruma City and Ishizaka Inc. Enter into Comprehensive Partnership Agreement to Promote the Circular Economy and Realize a Sustainable Regional Community

Iruma City and Ishizaka Inc. entered into a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement on Thursday, August 20, 2026, to promote the development of a regional circular economy and contribute to the realization of a prosperous and sustainable community for future generations.

The purpose of this agreement is to contribute to the creation of a sustainable regional community through comprehensive initiatives that effectively utilize the resources and expertise of both parties. These initiatives will focus on promoting the circular economy and resource circulation within the region, fostering pioneering environmental leaders, and building a resilient community capable of responding to disasters and other emergencies.

Through this partnership, Iruma City and Ishizaka Inc. will continue discussions on effective frameworks for advancing the circular economy and resource circulation at the regional level while seeking to establish a new model of public-private collaboration. Taking this agreement as a starting point, both parties will work together to envision the future of the region, translate ideas into action, and advance efforts toward building a sustainable society.

Collaboration Areas
1. Promoting resource circulation through the recycling of waste materials, including plastic resources, end-of-life solar panels, and other difficult-to-process items.
2. Building regional resource circulation networks and promoting collaboration between arterial and venous industries.
3. Demonstration, research and development, and social implementation of new technologies related to resource circulation and environmental fields.
4. Promoting a decarbonized and circular society through the effective use of regional resources.
5. Conserving biodiversity and realizing a society that lives in harmony with nature.
6. Fostering future leaders of a sustainable society and revitalizing local communities through environment-based education, including inquiry-based and recurrent learning.
7. Processing of disaster waste.
8. Other initiatives that contribute to the objectives of this agreement.

Signing Ceremony
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026, 09:30 – 10:00
Venue: Ishizaka Inc. Photovoltaic Recycling Plant (4-11-1 Sayamadai, Iruma City, Saitama Prefecture)
Attendees:
Riichiro Sugishima, Mayor of Iruma City
Noriko Ishizaka, President, Ishizaka Inc.
Others

Iruma City Mayor’s Comment – Riichiro Sugishima

Together with Ishizaka Inc., a company that has continuously challenged itself to create a circular society through its innovative vision of “Turning Waste into Resources” and its exceptional technologies and expertise, Iruma City is taking a significant step toward the future.
At the heart of this partnership are two major visions: achieving 100% recycling of end-of-life solar panels, which are expected to increase significantly in the coming years, and establishing a new circular program that upcycles plastics collected by children into next-generation automotive components.
By combining cutting-edge technologies and expertise, we will work together to pioneer a new movement that regenerates both the environment and the economy for future generations.
In addition, we are committed to advancing joint efforts in areas such as decarbonization, environmental education, and disaster preparedness, including waste management in times of emergency.
Iruma City’s purpose is: “To create and pass on the ‘original scenery of the future’ where people can live fulfilling and enriching lives.” To realize this vision, we will connect advanced technologies with the city’s rich natural environment and learning opportunities, and co-create a vibrant and sustainable future together with Ishizaka Inc.

President’s Comment – Noriko Ishizaka

Solar panels are an important part of our social infrastructure. However, true sustainability requires that they not simply end their life cycle as waste but be reborn as resources and passed on to the next generation.
Solar panels contain valuable materials such as glass and aluminum. At our Solar Panel Resource Recovery Facility in Iruma City, visitors can see firsthand how these materials are separated and transformed into new resources through advanced recycling technologies.
I believe there is great value in giving citizens opportunities to see, touch, and think. We view this facility not only as a place for recycling technology but also as a hands-on environmental learning center where people can learn about the future of energy and resources.
We are also taking on new challenges, including initiatives to recycle plastics into next-generation automotive components. Resource circulation should not be the responsibility of businesses and governments alone. By fostering collaboration among businesses, government, citizens, and educational institutions, we aim to build a society in which everyone takes ownership of what happens after products are used and discarded.
Together with the people of Iruma City, we look forward to accelerating resource circulation initiatives and cultivating a culture that protects future resources throughout the entire community. We consider this partnership to be highly meaningful and significant.