Top 10 Lead-Acid Battery Crushing and Separation Equipment Suppliers in Japan (2025)

Founded in 1992 in Yokohama, Nippon Eco-Recycling Technologies (NET) has earned its reputation as a pioneer in lead-acid battery recycling equipment. What started as a small workshop focused on metal recovery has grown into a national leader, trusted by 80% of Japan’s major recycling plants. Their claim to fame? The lead acid battery breaking and separation system , a modular setup that handles 1,500 to 2,000 kg of batteries per hour with pinpoint precision. Unlike conventional systems that rely on brute force (often damaging lead grids), NET’s design uses a two-stage process: first, a low-speed shredder with custom-tipped blades that gently cracks plastic casings, then a vibrating separator that uses air currents and gravity to split lead grids, paste, and plastic fragments—all without manual sorting. “We spent three years testing blade angles to find the sweet spot between efficiency and care,” says Hideo Tanaka, NET’s chief engineer. “The result? A system that recovers 99.4% of lead, compared to the industry average of 96%.” But NET doesn’t stop at breaking and separation. They’ve also perfected the rotary furnace for paste reduction , a key component in converting lead paste into pure lead. Their furnace uses a rotating drum lined with heat-resistant ceramic (developed in partnership with Kyoto University) that ensures uniform heating, cutting energy consumption by 25% compared to static furnaces. It’s no wonder NET’s systems are now exported to 12 countries, from Thailand to Germany.

If NET is the “precision expert,” Tokyo Recovery Systems (TRS) is the “problem solver.” Founded in 2001, this Tokyo-based firm built its name by tackling the toughest recycling challenges—like handling old, corroded batteries that other systems struggle with. Their flagship product, the filter press equipment , is a game-changer for lead paste processing. After batteries are broken, lead paste is mixed with water to form a slurry, which needs to be dewatered before reduction. TRS’s filter press uses hydraulic pressure (up to 1,200 psi) and synthetic filter cloths (imported from Switzerland) to squeeze moisture out, leaving a cake with just 5% water content—dry enough to go straight into the furnace. “Wet paste clogs furnaces and wastes energy,” explains TRS president Mei Yamamoto. “Our press cuts drying time from 8 hours to 2, which is a huge cost-saver for plants.” But TRS’s real edge is their focus on air pollution control system equipment . Japan’s air quality laws are among the strictest in the world, and TRS’s systems go above and beyond: a three-stage process that first captures dust with cyclone separators, then neutralizes acid fumes with lime scrubbers, and finally filters remaining particulates with HEPA filters. The result? Emissions of lead particulates at just 0.003 mg/m³—well below Japan’s legal limit of 0.01 mg/m³. It’s this attention to detail that has made TRS the go-to supplier for Japan’s municipal recycling programs, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s $45 million battery recycling initiative launched in 2023.

Osaka Green Machinery (OGM) has a mantra: “Smaller plants, bigger impact.” Founded in 2005, this Osaka-based supplier specializes in compact recycling systems designed for small to mid-sized facilities—think 500 to 1,000 kg/hour capacity—without skimping on performance. Their star product? The compact granulator with dry separator , a space-saving unit that combines crushing, granulating, and separating into one machine. Measuring just 3 meters long and 2 meters wide, it’s perfect for urban recycling centers where space is tight. “We noticed a gap in the market,” says OGM’s sales director, Akira Nakamura. “Big plants have big budgets, but small operators were stuck with outdated, inefficient equipment. Our granulator changes that.” The magic is in the dry separator: instead of using water (which requires wastewater treatment), it uses electrostatic separation to split plastic and lead particles. A high-voltage charge makes plastic particles repel a metal plate, while lead particles stick—simple, effective, and water-free. OGM also excels in auxiliary equipment , like their automated paste collection system. This add-on uses vacuum suction to transfer lead paste from the separator to the filter press, reducing manual labor and dust exposure. It’s no surprise that OGM’s systems are popular with family-run recycling businesses across Japan; as one customer in Hiroshima put it, “We used to have 3 workers sorting by hand. Now, one person monitors the OGM system, and we process twice as much.”

Kyoto Precision Industries (KPI) is all about “engineering for the future”—and their track record proves it. Since 1985, this Kyoto-based firm has focused on R&D, filing over 40 patents in battery recycling tech. Their latest breakthrough? A lead acid battery breaking and separation system with AI-powered sorting. Yes, you read that right: AI. KPI’s system uses cameras and machine learning algorithms to identify different battery types (car, motorcycle, industrial) in real time, adjusting shredder speed and separator settings on the fly. “Batteries come in all shapes and sizes, and one-size-fits-all systems struggle,” explains Dr. Yuki Sato, KPI’s head of AI research. “Our AI can tell a 12V car battery from a 24V forklift battery in 0.3 seconds, then tweak the process to get the best recovery rate for each.” The results are impressive: a 5% boost in lead recovery for mixed-battery loads, and a 30% reduction in jams (a common headache with traditional systems). But KPI’s innovation doesn’t stop there. They’ve also developed a filter press to collect the paste of ULAB (used lead-acid batteries) that’s self-cleaning. Traditional filter presses require workers to manually scrape residue from cloths after each cycle; KPI’s design uses compressed air to blow cloths clean, cutting downtime by 40%. It’s this blend of high tech and practicality that has made KPI a favorite with forward-thinking companies, including Panasonic’s recycling division.

Nagoya Environmental Tech (NETech) has a simple philosophy: “If it’s not durable, it’s not worth building.” For 30 years, this Nagoya-based supplier has focused on rugged, low-maintenance equipment that can handle the grind of 24/7 operation. Their flagship offering? The hydraulic cutter equipment , a heavy-duty machine designed to slice through battery casings and metal grids with ease. Unlike electric cutters that overheat, NETech’s hydraulic model uses oil pressure to deliver consistent power, even when processing thick industrial batteries. “We build for the long haul,” says Takeshi Mori, NETech’s service manager. “Our cutters have a 10-year lifespan, and we still service machines from 2005.” But durability doesn’t mean inefficiency. NETech’s hydraulic briquetter equipment is a case in point. After lead grids are separated, they’re often too loose for furnace feeding—so the briquetter compresses them into dense blocks (5 kg each) using 150 tons of hydraulic pressure. This not only makes feeding easier but also increases furnace efficiency by 15%. NETech’s commitment to reliability has earned them a loyal following among large-scale recycling plants, including Japan’s biggest lead recycler, EcoLead, which operates 12 NETech cutters across its three facilities.

Hiroshima Recycling Solutions (HRS) prides itself on “local expertise, global vision.” Founded in 2010, this young company has quickly made a name for itself by adapting Japanese technology to meet the needs of emerging markets—particularly Southeast Asia, where lead-acid battery recycling is growing fast but infrastructure is limited. Their most popular export? The portable briquette machine , specifically the PHBM-003 model. Weighing just 800 kg and mounted on wheels, it’s designed for remote sites or temporary recycling projects. “In countries like Vietnam or Indonesia, many recyclers work out of rural areas with no electricity,” explains HRS’s export manager, Leila Suzuki. “Our PHBM-003 runs on a diesel generator, so it can go anywhere.” The machine compresses lead powder into briquettes, making transport easier and safer (loose powder is prone to dust and spillage). HRS also offers training programs, sending engineers to teach local operators how to maintain and repair the equipment—no language barriers, as their manuals are translated into Vietnamese, Thai, and Bahasa Indonesia. Back home in Japan, HRS is known for its air pollution control system equipment tailored to small furnaces. Their compact scrubber uses limestone slurry to neutralize acid gases, and a charcoal filter to trap particulates—all in a unit that fits in a standard shipping container. It’s this combination of portability, durability, and cultural sensitivity that has made HRS a bridge between Japanese innovation and global recycling needs.

Fukuoka Eco-Machinery (FEM) has a passion for “closing the loop”—and that means handling every step of the recycling process, from battery to pure lead. Their turnkey solution? The lead acid battery recycling plant , a complete system that includes breaking, separation, paste processing, and lead refining. What sets FEM apart is their focus on water efficiency. While many plants use 500 liters of water per ton of batteries, FEM’s water process equipment recycles 90% of its water, thanks to a multi-stage filtration system that cleans and reuses wastewater. “Water scarcity is a global issue, and we take it seriously,” says FEM’s environmental compliance officer, Rina Tanaka. “Our system cuts water use to just 50 liters per ton—saving money and resources.” FEM also shines in lead refining with their lead refinery machine equipment . This unit uses electrolysis to purify lead to 99.99% purity, meeting the standards for new battery production (most recyclers stop at 99.9%). It’s this attention to end-product quality that has made FEM a partner of Japan’s largest battery manufacturers, including GS Yuasa, which uses FEM-refined lead in its car batteries.

Sapporo Sustainable Tech (SST) may be based in Japan’s northernmost city, but their technology is red-hot. Founded in 2008, SST specializes in cold-climate recycling solutions—equipment that performs reliably even in sub-zero temperatures, a must in Hokkaido and other frigid regions. Their standout product? The dry process equipment with heated separators. Traditional dry separators can struggle in cold weather, as static electricity weakens when temperatures ｄｒｏｐ. SST’s design adds small heating elements to the separator plates, keeping them at 25°C regardless of the outside temperature. “We tested it in -15°C blizzards,” laughs SST’s founder, Kenji Ito. “The system didn’t miss a beat.” SST also offers insulated conveyor systems to keep lead paste from freezing during transport. Wrapped in foam and heated wires, these conveyors ensure paste flows smoothly to the furnace, even in winter. It’s no surprise that SST dominates the Hokkaido market, with clients like the Sapporo Municipal Recycling Center relying on their tech to keep operations running year-round.

Kobe Industrial Systems (KIS) is all about “power and precision.” For over 40 years, this Kobe-based giant has built heavy-duty machinery for the toughest industrial jobs—and their lead-acid battery equipment is no exception. Their flagship system? The 4 shaft shredder equipment , a beast of a machine designed for ultra-tough batteries, like those used in construction equipment or submarines. With four interlocking shafts and carbide-tipped blades, it can chew through even the thickest casings and metal grids. “We’re known for our shredders,” says KIS’s senior engineer, Takeshi Watanabe. “They’re overbuilt on purpose—we want customers to say, ‘This thing will outlast me.’” KIS also offers a hydraulic press machine that can exert 300 tons of pressure, perfect for compacting lead scrap into dense bales for shipping. But KIS doesn’t just make big machines; they make smart ones. Their shredders come with IoT sensors that monitor blade wear and motor temperature, sending alerts to operators’ phones when maintenance is needed. It’s this combination of raw power and smart tech that has made KIS a supplier to major industrial firms, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Last but never least, Okinawa Green Innovations (OGI) brings a tropical twist to recycling tech. Founded in 2015, this Okinawa-based startup is focused on sustainability in island communities, where space and resources are limited. Their claim to fame? The solar-powered auxiliary equipment line, including conveyors and small separators that run on solar panels. “Okinawa has plenty of sun, so why not use it?” says OGI’s founder, Yui Nakamura. “Our solar conveyors cut electricity costs by 60% for small recyclers.” OGI also excels in lamp recycling equipment (a side specialty), but their lead-acid battery offering is gaining traction: a mobile recycling unit that fits in a truck, bringing breaking and separation to remote islands. “Many Okinawan islands don’t have recycling centers,” Nakamura explains. “Our mobile unit visits them monthly, processing batteries on-site and taking lead briquettes back to the mainland. It’s recycling on wheels.” While OGI is small compared to industry giants, their focus on innovation and community has earned them support from the Okinawa Prefectural Government—and a spot on our list.