NYK Uses Recycled Material for Car Lashing Belts

Why It Matters

The innovation reduces petroleum‑based waste and cuts emissions, advancing sustainable maritime logistics and meeting industry pressure for greener operations.

Key Takeaways

• 99.5% recycled polyester replaces virgin petroleum fibers.
• GHG emissions drop 28.3% during belt manufacturing.
• Strength matches existing lashing belts, passing NYK safety tests.
• Potential 400‑ton CO₂ reduction across 120 vessels annually.
• Supports NYK’s broader decarbonization strategy for shipping.

Pulse Analysis

The global container and car carrier market has long relied on petroleum‑derived synthetic fibers for lashing belts, a consumable that must be replaced regularly due to wear and regulatory safety standards. Each belt consumes hundreds of kilograms of virgin polyester, contributing to both resource depletion and carbon emissions during production. As maritime operators face mounting pressure from investors, regulators, and environmentally conscious customers, the sector is exploring circular‑economy solutions that can lower its material footprint without compromising cargo security. Recycled polyester, derived from post‑consumer plastic, offers a viable alternative that aligns with these sustainability goals.

NYK, its trading subsidiary, and polymer specialist Rexxam responded to this challenge by engineering the “eco CLASPER” belt, which incorporates 99.5% recycled polyester fibers. After a two‑year development cycle that began in 2022, the product underwent rigorous onboard trials aboard NYK’s Cassiopeia Leader and other vessels, confirming tensile strength and durability equivalent to traditional belts. The manufacturing process alone generates roughly 28% fewer greenhouse‑gas emissions compared with conventional weaving, and the company estimates that deploying the belts across its 120‑ship car carrier fleet could eliminate about 400 tons of CO₂ each year.

The introduction of eco CLASPER signals a broader shift toward sustainable cargo‑handling equipment in maritime logistics. By demonstrating that recycled‑material lashing solutions meet safety benchmarks, NYK paves the way for other carriers to adopt similar products, potentially creating a new market segment for green marine accessories. The move also dovetails with the International Maritime Organization’s upcoming emissions reduction targets, giving NYK a competitive edge in compliance and brand reputation. As supply‑chain stakeholders demand greener practices, recycled‑polyester belts could become a standard component of low‑carbon shipping strategies.