Emulsion Flow Technologies

Emulsion Flow Technologies (EFT), founded in 2021 by Dr. Hiroshi Suzuki and Dr. Hirochika Naganawa, is a spinoff from the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). The founders, both with backgrounds in academic and engineering research, aimed to leverage their expertise for a broader social contribution. Dr. Suzuki, after years in neutron engineering research at JAEA, started an Innovation Management Office within the agency to help commercialize research, which led to the creation of EFT. The company was established to address the growing instability in the supply of rare metals, which are critical for electric vehicles, batteries, and other clean technologies.

EFT operates in the rare metal recycling market, providing a one-stop solution for clients primarily in industries reliant on lithium-ion batteries. The company's core offering is a proprietary solvent extraction technology called "Emulsion Flow," developed from nuclear research. This process separates and purifies critical metals like cobalt, nickel, and lithium from used products with high efficiency and purity. The business model encompasses providing total support, from proposing extraction processes to the design, manufacturing, and operation of recycling plants. These services are designed to help businesses increase productivity, reduce environmental impact, and improve their working environment.

The Emulsion Flow technology is distinct from conventional methods because it enables continuous processing through simple mixing and pumping, which allows for a significantly smaller physical footprint. EFT's plants are modular, making them easy to scale and install wherever clients need them. This approach offers a low-cost and environmentally friendly manner to recycle rare metals from sources like retired electric vehicle batteries and electronic devices. In March 2024, the company secured ¥1.35 billion in a Series B funding round to accelerate the development of a commercial-scale plant and support global expansion. The company has received recognition for its potential, including being named one of Forbes Japan's 100 startups to watch.

Keywords: rare metal recycling, solvent extraction, Emulsion Flow technology, lithium-ion battery recycling, circular economy, cleantech, urban mining, sustainable resources, high-purity metal recovery, modular recycling plants, Japan Atomic Energy Agency spinoff, cobalt recycling, nickel recycling, lithium recycling, environmental technology, resource recovery, industrial separation, green technology, strategic materials, battery materials