Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. today announced a program of recycling "lashing belts," which are used to hold vehicles in place aboard car carriers. Under this world-first scheme in the ocean shipping industry, not only will resources be recycled and reused, but jobs will be created and filled by the disabled, the company said in its press release.
Heretofore, when lashing belts reached the end of their useful lives, they were treated as industrial waste. As there are enough belts being thrown away to merit recycling, MOL decided to deliver them to a recycling company in Oita Prefecture, where they will all be recycled.
Further, MOL is entrusting the work of readying the belts for recycling in the hands of an NPO that supports jobs for the disabled, and these people will be given jobs in the operation. This is part of its efforts to contribute to the society through employment support for the disabled.