- Business
- Fuluhashi EPO Corporation is a Japan-based environmental solutions provider specializing in the processing and recycling of wood waste and construction by-products. Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, the company operates through three core segments: Biomaterials, Resource Recycling, and Environmental Logistics. Its Biomaterials segment undertakes contracted recycling of wood waste from demolition companies and other sources, converting it into recycled wood chips used as raw materials for paper pulp, wood fiberboard, and as fuel chips for biomass power generation. The Resource Recycling segment focuses on the collection, transportation, and intermediate processing to recycle various construction by-products, including industrial waste such as wood scraps, plastics, and metals. The Environmental Logistics segment manufactures, sells, and renovates new and used wooden pallets and logistics equipment, also providing comprehensive recycling solutions for used pallets. Fuluhashi operates 16 manufacturing plants across Japan, including facilities in Aichi, Gifu, Mie, Shizuoka, Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Hiroshima, with two overseas subsidiaries in Thailand and Vietnam.
Recently, Fuluhashi has embarked on an expansive mid-term growth plan named "Fuluhashi Sustainable Plan 80th," aiming through 2028 to nearly double its annual wood biomass handling capacity to 1 million tons, driven by approximately 10 billion yen investment in new plant facilities primarily in central and eastern Japan. In 2024, it plans to open new plants including its eighth factory in Ichinomiya City, a new Nagoya plant, and a recycling garden in Hiratsuka City. The company actively participates in biomass power generation through joint ventures such as CEPO Handa Biomass Power Generation Co., established in collaboration with Cenergy and others, operating a 50 MW biomass plant fueled by recycled wood chips and palm kernel shells. It also co-owns Kawasaki Biomass Power Generation Co., which provides renewable electricity using wood chips collected regionally. Fuluhashi reported record sales and earnings over recent years, driven by increased domestic demand for high-quality wood chips amid rising prices of imported biomass fuels. The company continues to focus on carbon neutrality with a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by its 100th anniversary in 2047, implementing energy-efficient upgrades, electrification of heavy equipment, and expanded use of CO2-free power. Additionally, it enhanced governance and established sustainability and business development divisions as part of its organizational restructuring in 2024 to support these strategic growth and environmental goals. Fuluhashi’s business model leverages double-income streams from processing fees and product sales, positioning it as a leading contributor to Japan’s circular economy and renewable energy transition.
The company’s main products and services include recycled wood chips for biomaterial and fuel use; contract recycling and intermediate processing services of construction by-products; manufacturing and sales of wooden pallets and logistics equipment; reuse and renovation services of used logistics equipment; and environmental consulting and security services through group subsidiaries. Fuluhashi’s clientele spans biomass power plants, paper and board manufacturers, construction and demolition firms, logistics companies, and housing manufacturers, with operations primarily across Japan and some international business in Southeast Asia. It pursues ongoing operational expansion and sustainability initiatives to meet environmental challenges, including addressing disaster waste management and promoting diversity and extended workforce retention policies.
Fuluhashi EPO Corporation was formerly known as Furuhashi Corporation and was renamed in 2008 to reflect its diversification into environmental and biomass energy sectors. It is listed on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges under ticker 9221.T. The company’s strategic focus on enhancing wood resource reutilization, reinforcing its footprint in the biomass power generation industry, and expanding capacity through capital investments highlights its long-term commitment to sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.