Circular Economy survery reveals challenges in Japanese companies

Gomi no Gakko, an organisation dedicated to waste education, released its Resource Circulation Status Survey Report earlier this month, highlighting how the primary obstacles to circular economy progress in Japanese companies are organisational and structural rather than technological. The report is based on a survey of 58 practitioners from various sectors, including private companies, government bodies, and research institutions, conducted during the Circular Partnership EXPO in December 2025.

The survey reveals a significant lack of clarity regarding the initial steps of resource management. Approximately half of the respondents stated they do not know what they should grasp or where to begin when assessing their current waste and resource situation. This suggests that many organisations struggle with the fundamental stage of data collection and goal setting before they can even consider implementing circular strategies.

According to the report, the most prominent organisational challenges are internal education and perception gaps between departments. Internal education was cited by 25% of respondents as a major hurdle, while 20% identified the difference in awareness across various departments as a major barrier.

The data also shows a strong demand for peer-based knowledge. When asked about external collaboration, 30% of respondents expressed a desire to learn about specific examples from other companies facing similar challenges.

Gomi no Gakko intends to host an event next to gather interested participants in a casual environment where sustainability managers can share their genuine struggles and consult with peers. The programme will include a detailed explanation of the survey report and a roundtable discussion for the 30 expected participants.