Mitsubishi Electric and partners launch Japan's first rare earth magnet recycling system for air conditioners

Mitsubishi Electric, Shin-Etsu Chemical, and Eco Advance have launched Japan's first system to recycle rare earth magnets from discarded home air conditioners. The initiative aims to recover and reprocess rare earth magnets from used air conditioners, with Mitsubishi Electric planning to use recycled materials for about 35% of the rare earths in its domestically produced units. This collaboration involves collecting and dismantling air conditioners, extracting magnets, and then separating and refining the rare earths for reuse, contributing to a circular economy.