Top 10 Refrigerant Recovery Machine Suppliers in Japan

Founded in 1992, Nippon Eco-Tech Solutions has grown from a small Kyoto-based startup to a global leader in environmental engineering, with a particular focus on refrigerant management. What sets them apart is their holistic approach: they don't just sell machines—they design end-to-end systems that make refrigerant recovery seamless, even for the most complex industrial setups. Their flagship product, the refrigerant extraction machine SD-680, has become a staple in both commercial and residential recycling operations. Compact yet powerful, the SD-680 is praised for its ability to handle multiple refrigerant types (including R-22, R-410A, and R-32) with minimal energy consumption, a feature that has made it a favorite among small to mid-sized AC service companies.

Beyond standalone machines, Nippon Eco-Tech has expanded into integrated systems, including their renowned refrigerator & AC recycling machines equipment. These turnkey solutions combine disassembly tools, refrigerant capture units, and waste sorting mechanisms, allowing facilities to process up to 500 appliances per day with near-zero refrigerant emissions. "We believe sustainability shouldn't require sacrificing efficiency," says Yuki Tanaka, the company's chief technology officer. "Our systems are built to pay for themselves through reduced waste and compliance savings, all while protecting the planet." With clients ranging from local Japanese municipalities to international giants like Panasonic, Nippon Eco-Tech continues to set the bar for reliability and innovation.

Tokyo Recovery Systems (TRS) has been a household name in Japan's recycling industry since 1985, and for good reason: their dedication to precision engineering has made them the go-to supplier for high-volume industrial operations. Specializing in large-scale refrigerant recovery, TRS dominates the market for systems designed to handle commercial refrigeration units, cold storage facilities, and even marine AC systems. Their crown jewel is the TRS-Industrial 5000, a behemoth of a machine capable of extracting refrigerant from industrial chiller units at a rate of 20kg per minute—three times faster than most competitors. But speed isn't everything; the TRS-Industrial 5000 also boasts a 99.9% recovery efficiency rate, a statistic that has helped clients like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries meet Japan's strict emissions targets.

What truly distinguishes TRS, however, is their investment in smart technology. In 2020, they launched the Smart-Recover™ platform, which uses IoT sensors to monitor refrigerant quality in real time, automatically adjust extraction parameters, and even predict maintenance needs. "Our clients don't just want to recover refrigerant—they want to reuse it," explains Akira Mori, TRS's sales director. "Smart-Recover ensures that recovered refrigerants meet purity standards for reclamation, turning waste into a valuable resource." The company has also made strides in sustainability with their air pollution control system equipment, which filters and neutralizes harmful byproducts during the recovery process, ensuring compliance with Japan's Air Pollution Control Act. With a network of service centers across Asia and Europe, TRS is proving that Japanese engineering can scale globally without losing its meticulous attention to detail.

Osaka Green Innovations (OGI) may be newer to the scene than some competitors—founded in 2001—but they've quickly made a name for themselves by focusing on a niche: portable refrigerant recovery. For businesses that need to recover refrigerant from hard-to-reach locations (think rooftop AC units or remote rural refrigerators), OGI's line of handheld and mobile machines has been a game-changer. Their bestseller, the OGI-Portable 300, weighs just 12kg and runs on a rechargeable battery, allowing technicians to work without access to power outlets. "We saw a gap in the market for tools that could keep up with field service teams," says Mei Wong, OGI's founder and CEO. "Traditional recovery machines are bulky and stationary, but refrigerant leaks don't happen only in factories—they happen on apartment rooftops, in convenience store backrooms, and on fishing boats. Our portables bring the lab to the leak."

Despite their focus on mobility, OGI hasn't skimped on power. The OGI-Portable 500, released in 2023, can recover refrigerant from a standard home AC unit in under 15 minutes, a feat that has earned it certifications from both the Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association (JRAIA) and the U.S. EPA. The company has also expanded into specialized equipment, including refrigerator recycling equipment tailored for small appliance repair shops. These compact units, which fit in the back of a van, allow local businesses to comply with Japan's 2020 refrigerant recovery mandate without investing in full-scale facilities. With a 95% customer retention rate and plans to enter the European market next year, OGI is proving that big impact can come in small packages.

Hokkaido Environmental Technologies (HET) is proof that innovation can thrive outside of Japan's major cities. Based in Sapporo, this family-owned company has been quietly revolutionizing refrigerant recovery since 1998, with a focus on extreme durability—essential for Hokkaido's harsh winters. Their machines are built to operate in temperatures as low as -20°C, a feature that has made them indispensable for cold-region industries like fisheries and ski resorts. "In Hokkaido, if your equipment freezes up in January, you're not just losing money—you're risking lives," says Takeshi Nakamura, HET's third-generation president. "Our systems are tested in the worst conditions so our clients never have to worry."

HET's flagship product, the Arctic-Recovery 3000, is a testament to this resilience. Designed for industrial freezers and cold storage, it uses a dual-compressor system to maintain performance even in subzero environments, while its built-in heater prevents refrigerant lines from icing over. The company has also made waves with their air pollution control system equipment, which integrates with recovery machines to capture and neutralize refrigerant fumes—a critical feature for indoor operations like food processing plants. "We don't just sell to Hokkaido anymore," Nakamura adds with a smile. "Clients in Canada, Norway, and Russia now seek us out for equipment that can handle their winters. It's a point of pride for our small team." With a commitment to local manufacturing (all HET machines are built in Sapporo) and a 10-year warranty on critical components, Hokkaido Environmental Technologies is a shining example of regional expertise with global reach.

Yokohama Eco-Engineering (YEE) has carved a unique niche in the refrigerant recovery market by focusing on circular economy principles. Founded in 2005, the company doesn't just build machines—they design systems that turn recovered refrigerant into a reusable commodity. Their state-of-the-art reclamation facilities, paired with their mobile recovery units, allow clients to sell reclaimed refrigerant back to manufacturers, creating a closed-loop system that benefits both the environment and the bottom line. "Most recovery machines stop at capturing refrigerant; we take it a step further by purifying it to meet OEM standards," explains Dr. Aiko Sato, YEE's head of R&D. "It's not just about compliance—it's about creating value from waste."

YEE's most popular product, the Reclaim-Master Pro, is a mobile unit that combines recovery, filtration, and testing in one. Equipped with a built-in refrigerant analyzer, it can determine the purity of recovered gas on-site and generate a certification report, making it easy for clients to sell reclaimed refrigerant to buyers like Daikin and Toshiba. The company has also expanded into appliance recycling with their refrigerator & AC recycling machines equipment, which includes a specialized dehumidification system to prevent refrigerant contamination during disassembly. With partnerships with Japan's Ministry of the Environment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), YEE is leading the charge to make refrigerant reclamation the norm rather than the exception. "The future of sustainability is circular," Dr. Sato says. "We're just helping businesses get there faster."

Nagoya Precision Machinery (NPM) has built its reputation on one core principle: "Precision in every component." Since 1978, this manufacturing giant has applied its expertise in automotive and aerospace engineering to the field of refrigerant recovery, resulting in machines known for their longevity and low maintenance needs. Their industrial-grade systems, designed for large-scale facilities like power plants and data centers, are built to last 20+ years with minimal part replacements—a claim backed by a 15-year warranty, one of the longest in the industry. "We treat every recovery machine like we would a jet engine," says Hiroshi Kimura, NPM's quality control director. "Every gear, every valve, every sensor is tested to the breaking point before it leaves our factory."

NPM's standout offering is the Titan-Recovery Series, which includes models capable of handling up to 100kg of refrigerant per hour. Used by companies like Toyota and Hitachi, these systems feature redundant safety mechanisms, including automatic shutdowns in case of leaks and fire suppression systems, making them ideal for high-risk industrial environments. The company has also invested heavily in energy efficiency, with the Titan-Recovery X boasting a 40% lower power consumption rate than comparable models. Beyond recovery, NPM provides comprehensive training programs for operators, ensuring that clients get the most out of their equipment. "A machine is only as good as the people using it," Kimura notes. "We don't just deliver equipment—we build partnerships." With a global service network spanning 30 countries, NPM continues to be a trusted name in industrial refrigerant management.

Fukuoka Eco-Equipment (FEE) may be the youngest company on this list, founded in 2010, but it has quickly made a name for itself with its focus on affordability and accessibility. Recognizing that small businesses and rural communities often struggle to afford high-end recovery equipment, FEE set out to design machines that are both budget-friendly and easy to use. Their entry-level model, the Eco-Recovery 100, retails for nearly 30% less than comparable units, making it a hit with local repair shops and agricultural co-ops. "Sustainability shouldn't be a luxury," says Kenjiro Yamamoto, FEE's founder. "Every business, no matter how small, should have access to the tools they need to protect the environment."

Despite their lower price point, FEE machines don't compromise on quality. The Eco-Recovery 100, for example, still boasts a 98% recovery efficiency rate and is compatible with all major refrigerant types. The company has also developed a range of accessories, including portable hoses and adapters, to make their machines versatile enough for everything from home AC units to small refrigerated trucks. In 2022, FEE expanded into the public sector, winning a contract to supply refrigerator recycling equipment to 200 rural Japanese municipalities. "These communities often lack the infrastructure for large-scale recycling, so our compact, user-friendly systems are a perfect fit," Yamamoto explains. With plans to launch a solar-powered recovery unit next year, FEE is proving that affordability and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Kobe Green Systems (KGS) has been a pioneer in eco-friendly technology since its founding in 1990, and their refrigerant recovery machines are no exception. What makes KGS unique is their commitment to green manufacturing: all their machines are built using recycled materials, and their factories run on 100% renewable energy. "We believe the tools we create to protect the environment should be environmentally responsible themselves," says Ryoichi Tanaka, KGS's sustainability director. "From the steel in our frames to the plastic in our control panels, we source materials that have already been used and give them a second life."

KGS's flagship product, the Green-Recovery 500, is a testament to this philosophy. Made with 65% recycled steel and 40% recycled plastic, it's one of the most eco-friendly recovery machines on the market. But it's not just about materials—KGS has also optimized the machine's energy usage, cutting power consumption by 25% compared to traditional units. The company has also developed a line of air pollution control system equipment that uses activated carbon filters made from recycled coconut shells, further reducing their environmental footprint. "Sustainability is a journey, not a destination," Tanaka adds. "We're constantly looking for ways to minimize our impact, whether through reducing waste in production or designing machines that use less energy." With clients like IKEA Japan and the City of Kobe, KGS is proving that green manufacturing is not just possible—it's profitable.

Sendai Industrial Technologies (SIT) has earned a reputation for innovation by thinking outside the box—or, in this case, outside the traditional recovery process. Specializing in emergency response and disaster recovery, SIT designs machines that can operate in the aftermath of earthquakes, floods, and typhoons, when refrigerant leaks are most likely and most dangerous. Their Rapid-Recovery units are portable, battery-powered, and waterproof, allowing first responders to quickly contain leaks in damaged buildings and infrastructure. "In the wake of a disaster, the last thing anyone needs is a refrigerant spill adding to the chaos," says Dr. Maki Ito, SIT's emergency response specialist. "Our machines are built to be rugged enough to handle the worst-case scenarios."

SIT's most impressive offering is the Rescue-Recovery 3000, a drone-equipped unit that can access hard-to-reach areas like collapsed buildings or flooded basements. The drone carries a small recovery module that can be deployed remotely, allowing operators to capture refrigerant without entering dangerous zones. The company has also developed specialized refrigerator recycling equipment for post-disaster cleanup, which can process damaged appliances quickly to prevent refrigerant from seeping into soil or water. "Disaster response is about speed and safety," Dr. Ito explains. "Our technology ensures that we can contain leaks before they become environmental disasters themselves." With partnerships with Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the International Red Cross, SIT is saving lives and the planet, one emergency at a time.

Rounding out our list is Okinawa Eco-Marine (OEM), a company that has taken refrigerant recovery to the high seas. Based in Naha, OEM specializes in marine refrigerant recovery, designing machines that can withstand the harsh conditions of ships, offshore oil rigs, and fishing vessels. Their Marine-Recovery Series is corrosion-resistant, saltwater-proof, and compact enough to fit in the tight spaces of ship engine rooms. "Maritime refrigerant recovery is a unique challenge," says Captain Taro Kajiwara, OEM's founder and a former merchant marine officer. "Saltwater, humidity, and constant motion can wreak havoc on standard equipment. We've spent years testing our machines in real-world conditions to ensure they hold up."

OEM's most popular product, the Sea-Saver 200, is a portable unit that can be mounted on deck or in engine rooms, capable of recovering refrigerant from shipboard AC units, freezers, and cold storage holds. It's also equipped with a GPS tracker and satellite communication system, allowing fleet managers to monitor recovery operations remotely—a feature that has made it a favorite among international shipping companies like Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. In 2021, OEM expanded into coastal recycling with their shore-based refrigerator & AC recycling machines equipment, which is used by ports across Japan to process refrigerant from decommissioned ships and fishing boats. "The ocean is our home, and we're committed to protecting it," Kajiwara says. "Whether it's on a ship or on shore, our mission is to keep refrigerant out of our waters and in the loop."