Seiko Epson plans to launch a carbon capture device the size of a photocopier in 2028. (Photo: Wikipedia Commons)
Seiko Epson, the Japanese electronics company, is developing a small carbon capture unit roughly the size of an office printer. The device uses membrane separation technology to extract carbon dioxide from industrial emissions, which can then be recycled into synthetic fuels. Commercial release is expected in 2028.
Uses 10-nanometer for compact, efficient CO₂ capture
According to Japan’s Nikkei, Epson leveraged its expertise in inkjet printer component manufacturing to design a system capable of separating and capturing CO₂. The key lies in a specialized 10-nanometer membrane.
Conventional carbon capture methods typically rely on chemical absorption, where CO₂ is extracted by heating solvents that have absorbed emissions. This process requires a large surface area and significant energy, making even the smallest units taller than an average person.
In contrast, Epson’s membrane-based technology requires no heat, which reduces power consumption and significantly shrinks the device’s footprint. It runs on a standard 100-volt outlet and is compact enough for deployment in small-scale industrial sites like local factories.
When four units are linked, the system can capture more than 10 kilograms of concentrated CO₂ per day—roughly equivalent to the daily emissions of 1.4 Japanese households. While it can also be used to capture carbon from air, point-source capture remains more effective.
The device is expected to retail for several million yen. Epson is also considering treating the membrane as a consumable item that customers can replace, enabling ongoing system performance. Captured CO₂ can be repurposed for applications such as carbonated beverages, dry ice, or converted into synthetic fuels like methane.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries showcases carbon-absorbing concrete
According to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, citing IEA data, the market for CO₂ capture could grow to $12.6 billion by 2030 and surge to $245 billion by 2050.
As carbon capture gains momentum, other Japanese firms are also investing. Kawasaki Heavy Industries has already developed a direct air capture (DAC) system about the size of a shipping container, capable of capturing 5 kilograms of CO₂ per day. In March, the company partnered with Kajima Corporation to successfully store captured carbon in concrete, which is now being used at the Osaka Expo site.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has developed a DAC system about the size of a shipping container, capable of capturing 5 kilograms of CO₂ per day. (Photo: Kawasaki Heavy Industries)
Southeast Asia is also entering the fray. Malaysia, with its abundant oil and gas reservoirs, holds significant carbon storage potential. The Malaysian parliament recently passed dedicated legislation to accelerate industry growth, aiming to make the country a regional hub for carbon capture and storage.
Source: Nikkei Asia
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