Microplastics – LG Energy Solution and Toyota Tsusho Launch Battery Recycling JV in the U.S. A New Chapter in Sustainable Mobility In a powerful move toward a greener future, LG Energy Solution Ltd. and Toyota Tsusho Corp. have announced the formation of a battery recycling joint venture in the United States 23-06-2025
| Polyestertime | |||
| ITEM | 16/06/2025 | 23/06/2025 | +/- |
| Bottle grade PET chips domestic market | 6,100 yuan/ton | 6,250 yuan/ton | +150 |
| Bottle grade PET chips export market | 780 $/ton | 800 $/ton | +20 |
| LDPE CFR Est China | 1,030 $/ton | 1,050 $/ton | +20 |
| PET Semidull Fiber chips
PET Bright |
5,990 yuan/ton
6,000 yuan/ton |
6,190 yuan/ton
6,200 yuan/ton |
+200
+200 |
| Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA domestic market
|
5,010 yuan/ton | 5,275 yuan/ton |
+265 |
| Pure Terephthalic Acid PTA FOB China | 630 $/ton | 675 $/ton | +45 |
| Monoethyleneglycol MEG South China | 4,487 yuan/ton | 4,580 yuan/ton |
+93 |
| Monoethyleneglycol MEG CFR China | 518 $/ton | 535 $/to | +17 |
| Paraxylene PX FOB Taiwan market | 840 $/ton | 882 $/ton |
+42 |
| Paraxylene PX FOB South-Korea market | 832 $/ton | 874 $/ton | +42 |
| Paraxylene PX FOB EU market | 852 $/ton | 911 $/ton | +59 |
| Polyester filament POY 150D/48F domestic market | 7,050 yuan/ton | 7,200 yuan/ton |
+150 |
| Recycled Polyester filament POY domestic market | 6,400 yuan/ton | 6,560 yuan/ton | +160 |
| Polyester filament DTY 150D/48 F domestic market | 8,200 yuan/ton | 8,450 yuan/ton | +250 |
| Polyester filament FDY 68D24F | 8,050 yuan/ton | 8,300 yuan | +250 |
| Polyester filament FDY 150D/96F domestic market
|
7,250 yuan/ton | 7,500 yuan/ton | +250 |
| Polyester staple fiber 1.4D 38mm domestic market | 6,640 yuan/ton | 7,000 yuan/ton | +360 |
| Caprolactam CPL domestic market | 9,500 yuan/ton | 9,675 yuan/ton |
+175 |
| Caprolactam CPL CFR China | 1,100 $/ton | 1,100 $/ton | – |
| Nylon 6 chips overseas market | North America: $2.90/kg
Europe: $2.47/kg Northeast Asia: $1.59/kg Southeast Asia: $1.81/kg Middle East: $1.80/kg |
North America: $2.90/kg Europe: $2.47/kg Northeast Asia: $1.59/kg Southeast Asia: $1.81/kg Middle East: $1.80/kg
|
– |
| Nylon 6 chips conventional spinning domestic market | 10,000 yuan/ton | 10,050 yuan/ton | +50 |
| Nylon 6 chips high speed spinning domestic market | 10,400 yuan/ton | 10,400 yuan/ton | – |
| Nylon 6.6 chips domestic market | 15,600 yuan/ton | 15,500 yuan/ton | -100 |
| Nylon6 Filament POY 86D/24F domestic market | 12,100 yuan/ton | 12,350 yuan/ton | +250 |
| Nylon6 Filament DTY 70D/24F domestic market | 14,650 yuan/ton | 14,700 yuan/ton | +50 |
| Nylon6 Filament FDY 70D/24F | 13,100 yuan/ton | 13,100 yuan/ton | – |
| -Spandex 20D domestic marke | 27,200 yuan/ton | 27,000 yuan/ton | -200 |
| Spandex 30D domestic market | 26,700 yuan/ton | 26,500 yuan/ton | -200 |
| Spandex 40D domestic market | 23,500 yuan/ton | 23,300 yuan/ton | -200 |
| Adipic Acid China domestic market | 7,050 yuan/ton | 7,300 yuan/ton | +250 |
| Benzene domestic market East China | 6,350 yuan/ton | 6,400 yuan/ton | +50 |
| Benzene CFR China | 750 $/ton | 796 $/ton | +46 |
| Ethylene South East market | 850 $/ton | 860 $/ton | +6 |
| Ethylene NWE market CIF | 746 $/ton | 752 $/ton | +6 |
| Acrylonitrile ACN domestic market | 8,200 yuan/ton | 8,250 yuan/ton | +50 |
| Acrylonitrile ACN Acrylonitrile Southeast Asia | 1,165 $/ton |
1,090 $/ton |
-75 |
| Acrylic staple fiber ASF CFR China | 14,700 yuan/ton | 13,540 yuan/ton | -1,160 |
| VSF viscose staple fiber | 12,800 yuan/ton | 12,800 yuan/ton | – |
| PP Powder domestic market | 7,000 yuan/ton | 7,060 yuan/ton | +60 |
| Naphtha overseas market | 571 $/ton | 576 $/ton | +5 |
| Phenol domestic market
Jinan Dezheng Chemical Co., LtdYanshan Petrochemical Shandong Province |
6,750 yuan/ton | 6,850 yuan/ton | +100 |
recycled PET = 4,300 yuan/ton — 4,300 yuan/ton –
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Study Finds More Microplastics in Glass Bottles Than Plastic Ones—Here’s Why
Glass bottles have long enjoyed a reputation as the more eco-friendly and health-conscious choice for beverages. But a surprising new study from France’s food safety agency, ANSES, is challenging that assumption—revealing that drinks stored in glass bottles may actually contain more microplastics than those in plastic bottles or aluminum cans.
This counterintuitive discovery has sparked new conversations about packaging, contamination, and what it really means to drink clean. Microplastics
The Shocking Discovery: Glass Bottles Are Not Plastic-Free
The French study, published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, found that popular beverages like soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea, and beer sold in glass bottles contained up to 100 microplastic particles per liter. That’s five to fifty times more than similar drinks sold in plastic bottles or metal cans.
According to ANSES, this study is one of the first large-scale efforts to compare microplastic contamination across various beverage packaging formats.
“We expected the opposite result,” said PhD student Iseline Chaib, lead author of the study. “But the data told a different story.” Microplastics
How the Study Was Conducted
Researchers tested a wide range of beverage types available in France, including water (both flat and sparkling), soda, lemonade, beer, iced tea, and wine. Their goal: to measure the quantity of microplastics in each drink and determine how packaging materials might influence contamination levels.
The team used high-sensitivity detection methods to isolate microplastic particles as small as a few microns—far too tiny to be seen with the naked eye.
According to Guillaume Duflos, research director at ANSES, “We wanted to investigate how different types of containers affect the concentration of microplastics in drinks people consume daily.”
Where Are the Microplastics Coming From?
The surprising culprit? The paint on the bottle caps of glass containers.
Chaib noted that the particles recovered from drinks in glass bottles closely matched the polymer composition, color, and shape of the paint used on their external caps. Further inspection showed that the paint on these caps had micro-scratches—likely caused by friction between the caps during transport or storage. Microplastics
These scratches appear to be responsible for releasing microscopic plastic particles that fall into the drink, especially during bottling and sealing.
ANSES summarized: “Particles are released onto the surface of the caps, potentially falling into the liquid upon opening.”
Not All Drinks Are Equally Affected
Interestingly, the study found that not all beverages are equally contaminated.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the average microplastic levels per liter:
- Soft Drinks: ~30 particles
- Lemonade: ~40 particles
- Beer: ~60 particles
- Water (flat & sparkling): 1.6 to 4.5 particles
- Wine: Nearly zero particles—even in glass bottles with painted caps
Wine, in particular, showed very low levels of contamination, and researchers are unsure why. “This discrepancy remains to be explained,” Duflos admitted.
The consistent pattern, however, is that drinks in glass bottles had significantly more microplastics than those in plastic bottles or metal cans. Microplastics
What About Health Risks?
Microplastics are now a global concern. They’ve been found in oceans, soil, animals, food, the air we breathe—and yes, even in human organs.
However, there is still no clear scientific consensus on the direct health risks of ingesting microplastics. As of now, there’s no established “safe” or “toxic” level of microplastic consumption.
ANSES emphasized that while the levels detected in this study were relatively low in absolute terms, we still don’t know what prolonged exposure over years might mean for human health. Microplastics
“Just because the health effects aren’t fully known doesn’t mean the issue isn’t serious,” the agency said in its statement.
A Simple Fix? Yes—Cap Cleaning
One bright spot in the findings: there may be a relatively easy way to reduce contamination.
ANSES tested a cleaning protocol for bottle caps that involved:
- Blowing with air
- Rinsing with water
- Sanitizing with alcohol
This simple process led to a 60% reduction in microplastic contamination.
The agency suggests that beverage manufacturers could adopt this cleaning method without significant cost or disruption, potentially offering a meaningful improvement in product purity. Microplastics
The Bigger Picture: Rethinking Packaging
This study adds complexity to the ongoing global conversation about sustainable packaging.
For years, glass has been seen as a superior alternative to plastic due to its recyclability and perceived purity. But the presence of microplastics in glass-packaged drinks shows that sustainability and health impacts don’t always align.
Glass bottles are heavier and require more energy to transport. And now, as this study shows, they might also contribute to unexpected microplastic pollution, especially when manufacturing processes overlook small but critical details—like painted caps.
This isn’t about abandoning glass, but about improving how it’s used.
Summary of Key Findings
| Beverage Type | Container | Avg. Microplastics/L |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Glass | 4.5 |
| Water | Plastic | 1.6 |
| Soft Drinks | Glass | ~30 |
| Lemonade | Glass | ~40 |
| Beer | Glass | ~60 |
| Wine | Glass | Low / negligible |
What You Can Do as a Consumer
While it’s tempting to panic, this study is more of a call to awareness than a cause for alarm. Here are some takeaways:
- Don’t assume glass is always cleaner—check brands that disclose their production and cleaning practices.
- Stay informed about microplastic research. New findings are emerging regularly.
- Support policies and companies that prioritize cleaner manufacturing processes.
And remember: the biggest share of microplastic exposure may come not from what we drink—but from the air we breathe and the food we eat. Microplastics
Final Thoughts
This eye-opening study turns assumptions upside down. While glass bottles are still an important part of sustainable packaging solutions, the research highlights that every part of the manufacturing process matters, even down to the paint on a bottle cap.
As researchers continue to unravel the effects of microplastics on human health, one thing is clear: transparency, science, and smarter packaging are key to building a cleaner, safer future for all.
LG Energy Solution and Toyota Tsusho Launch Battery Recycling JV in the U.S.
A New Chapter in Sustainable Mobility
In a powerful move toward a greener future, LG Energy Solution Ltd. and Toyota Tsusho Corp. have announced the formation of a battery recycling joint venture in the United States. This new enterprise, named Green Metals Battery Innovations LLC (GMBI), represents a strategic step forward in the global push for sustainable electric vehicle (EV) ecosystems.
Set to begin operations in 2026, the facility will specialize in the recycling of battery production scrap to extract valuable materials like nickel, cobalt, and lithium. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, GMBI is positioned to become a key player in the emerging circular economy of EV batteries. Microplastics
Strengthening the LG–Toyota Alliance
This joint venture is more than just a recycling facility—it’s the deepening of a high-stakes partnership between LG Energy Solution, South Korea’s battery titan, and Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s largest automaker. Toyota Tsusho, the trading arm of the Toyota Group, brings decades of experience in materials trading and recycling to the table.
With this alliance, both companies aim to address two major challenges: the scarcity of raw materials and the environmental impact of battery waste. GMBI is designed to tackle both by recovering resources from manufacturing scrap and feeding them back into the EV battery production cycle.
Inside the Green Metals Battery Innovations Plant
When GMBI opens its doors in 2026, it will initially process up to 13,500 tons of battery production scrap each year. That’s enough raw material to build more than 40,000 EV battery units annually. Microplastics
The core process involves dismantling and shredding battery production scrap to extract black mass, a dark, granular substance rich in essential metals. This black mass will then be further refined to recover usable nickel, cobalt, and lithium—core ingredients in EV battery chemistry.
This closed-loop system not only cuts down on waste but also reduces reliance on raw material imports, which are often sourced from geopolitically sensitive regions.
Closing the Loop: From Scrap to New Batteries
What makes this venture particularly impactful is its role in creating a closed-loop battery ecosystem. LG Energy Solution will supply the scrap generated during battery production—especially those produced for Toyota’s North American EV manufacturing operations. Microplastics
These materials, once processed and refined by GMBI, will be reused in the creation of new EV batteries for Toyota vehicles, dramatically improving material efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint of battery production.
Ownership and Structure of the JV
GMBI will be majority-owned by Toyota Tsusho America Inc. (51%), with the remaining 49% held by LG Energy Solution Michigan Inc. This ownership split emphasizes Toyota’s lead role in materials procurement, while also reinforcing LG’s technical and operational i
Background: LG’s 10-Year Battery Supply Deal with Toyota
nvolvement in the recycling process.
The joint venture builds on an already solid foundation. In late 2023, LG Energy Solution signed a 10-year agreement to supply Toyota with high-performance EV batteries. Under the deal, LG committed to delivering 20 gigawatt hours (GWh) of high-nickel NCMA (nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum) pouch-type batteries annually from 2025 through 2035. Microplastics
This supply contract signaled the beginning of a long-term partnership focused on EV innovation and decarbonization. The GMBI recycling venture is now a key pillar in expanding that collaboration from battery production into battery life cycle management.
Strategic Impact: North American Battery Ecosystem
For LG Energy Solution, the joint venture is a way to strengthen its footprint in North America, where it already serves major automotive clients such as General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Hyundai Motor Group, and Honda.
With the new recycling infrastructure in place, LG can offer these clients a more sustainable and cost-effective supply chain, enhancing its value proposition as a global battery supplier. Microplastics
“This joint venture will not only help secure a stable supply of key battery materials but also enhance the competitiveness of our recycling business in North America,” said Kang Chang-beom, Chief Strategy Officer of LG Energy Solution.
Building a Circular Battery Economy
Toyota Tsusho COO Masaharu Katayama echoed this sentiment, noting:
“This joint venture is a significant step toward realizing a circular economy for batteries, which is essential for building a sustainable mobility society.” Microplastics
The emphasis on circularity is no coincidence. As EV adoption rises, so does the volume of end-of-life batteries and manufacturing waste. Developing scalable recycling solutions is key to reducing environmental harm and lowering the cost of raw materials.
Additional Collaboration: $110M Investment in SK Nexilis
The battery recycling JV isn’t Toyota Tsusho’s only bet on the future of EV materials. In a separate move, the company recently announced a $110 million investment in SK Nexilis Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of Korea’s SK Nexilis Co., the world’s leading manufacturer of copper foil—a critical component in lithium-ion battery anodes.
This investment, announced just a day before the LG JV news, will help Toyota Tsusho secure a reliable supply of premium copper foil for battery production in Japan and North America. Microplastics
In addition to securing material flow, the two companies plan to co-develop next-generation copper foil technologies for future EV batteries.
Financial Rebound for SK Nexilis
The partnership also comes at a crucial time for SK Nexilis. The company has reported cumulative losses of over 225 billion won (~$163 million) in the last two years due to the sluggish global EV market. The Toyota Tsusho investment provides much-needed capital to restore financial stability and continue innovating in copper foil production.
What This Means for the EV Market
Together, these developments show a strategic shift in how major automakers and suppliers are approaching the EV value chain. Instead of focusing solely on battery production, companies are integrating upstream and downstream capabilities, from materials sourcing to recycling. Microplastics
This vertical integration supports not only cost stability but also regulatory compliance as governments around the world tighten rules on battery recycling, raw material sourcing, and carbon emissions.
By building capacity in North America—close to their major customer bases—LG and Toyota are future-proofing their operations against geopolitical disruptions and rising materials costs.
The Road Ahead
As the world races toward a carbon-neutral future, battery recycling will become an essential component of EV manufacturing. With GMBI, LG Energy Solution and Toyota Tsusho are placing themselves at the forefront of that transition. Microplastics
Their joint venture is more than a business deal—it’s a blueprint for how global players can collaborate to build sustainable, resilient, and circular supply chains.
Key Takeaways
- GMBI, a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Toyota Tsusho, will recycle EV battery scrap in the U.S.
- The plant, opening in 2026 in North Carolina, will process 13,500 tons of scrap annually.
- Recycled materials will be reused to produce EV batteries for Toyota’s North American operations.
- The move supports LG’s wider client base and enhances Toyota’s push for a circular economy. Microplastics
- A $110M investment in SK Nexilis Malaysia further strengthens Toyota’s material supply for battery manufacturing.
If you’re following trends in EV innovation, sustainable supply chains, or the circular economy, this JV is a story to watch. As automakers and suppliers continue to join forces globally, the future of electric mobility is looking increasingly smart—and sustainable.
