The ’Plastic Resource Recycling Strategy’ was released by Japan on May 31, 2019. It mainly formulates strategies around the recycling of plastic resources and the response to marine plastic pollution, aiming to solve resource and environmental problems and promote economic development.

1. Background and Objectives

Background:

Plastics are widely used in the economic and social fields. However, the global effective utilization rate is low, with millions of tons of plastic waste flowing into the ocean every year, threatening the environment. Although Japan has made progress in the 3Rs (Reduction, Reuse, Recycling) and treatment of plastics, there are still problems such as a large amount of per capita disposable plastic container and packaging waste, some unutilized waste plastics, and an increased demand for domestic resource recycling due to international waste embargoes.

Objectives:

Based on relevant laws and basic plans, a plastic resource recycling strategy is developed to construct a domestic resource recycling system, reduce dependence on non - renewable resources, promote the recycling of plastic resources, solve domestic resource and environmental problems, contribute to global resource, waste, and marine plastic problems, and promote the development of related industries.

2. Basic 

Use plastics rationally to reduce resource waste, and preferentially use recycled materials and renewable resources to make plastic containers, packaging, and products.

Prolong the use cycle of plastic products. After use, achieve sustainable classification, recycling, and utilization through an effective recycling and recycling system. For specific plastic products, use bioplastics and ensure heat recovery.

Consider economic efficiency, technical feasibility, and product functions. Aim to reduce marine plastic pollution, crack down on illegal dumping, and promote cleaning activities. At the same time, promote Japanese experience internationally to help solve global problems.

3. Key Strategies

Plastic Resource Recycling:

Reduce the use of disposable plastic products, promote their substitution with recycled materials or renewable resources, and advance lightweight design, etc. Improve the recycling system and use new technologies to improve recycling efficiency, and construct a sustainable recycling and recycling system. Expand the recycled plastic market, improve the practicality of bioplastics, and improve chemical substance management and related infrastructure.

Marine Plastic Countermeasures:

Strengthen measures to combat illegal dumping and promote regional cooperation to prevent plastics from entering the sea. Cut down the inflow of microplastics into the ocean and prevent the scattering and outflow of plastic raw materials and products in all links. Support local governments in recycling coastal floating debris and develop and utilize materials that can decompose in seawater. Strengthen the monitoring of marine waste and promote international cooperation and technology dissemination.

International Expansion:

Provide technical and institutional support for waste management and resource recycling in developing countries, and promote international cooperation and business development. Promote the construction of a global monitoring and research network and take the lead in monitoring technology, talent cultivation, and empirical research.

Infrastructure Development:

Establish a national waste - sorting cooperation system and improve the infrastructure and industrial chain of the circular economy. Revitalize the resource recycling industry and cultivate talents. Support the development of plastic substitutes, innovation in recycling technology, etc. Promote research on marine plastics, strengthen publicity, education, and international cooperation.

4. Strategic Development Directions

Set Goals:

By 2025, make the design of plastic products easy for classification, reuse, or recycling.

By 2030, cumulatively reduce the discharge of disposable plastic products (container packaging, etc.) by 25%;

               ensure that 60% of plastic container packaging is reused or recycled;

               double the amount of recycled plastic and introduce bioplastics to the maximum extent (about 2 million tons).

By 2035, achieve 100% effective utilization of all used plastics, including heat recovery if technically and economically difficult.

Promote Measures:

Relevant government departments will closely cooperate, invest budgets, improve systems to promote plastic resource recycling, adjust strategies based on scientific progress, support the actions of various entities, and strengthen domestic and international cooperation.