Japan’s SusPla Initiative targets growth in recycled plastics market

The Sustainable Plastics Initiative, known as SusPla, is set to hold its founding general meeting on July 16, promising to be a significant step toward expanding Japan’s market for recycled plastics. Administered by the Sustainable Management Promotion Organization, SusPla is designed to enhance the quality and ensure the stable supply of recycled plastics through advanced material recycling techniques.

The initiative is backed by notable founding members, including Ishizuka Chemical Industry, the Sustainable Management Promotion Organization, and Sekisui Chemical. Major industry players such as Toyota Auto and Denso Auto have also joined, with an open invitation extended to other interested parties.

As the global push for carbon neutrality intensifies, there is a growing focus on the circular economy, aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources. This approach is particularly relevant as environmental regulations in the product sector tighten worldwide. For instance, the European Union’s proposed Ecodesign Regulation and the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Regulation, which mandates that over 25% of the plastics used in new car production must be recycled, have set new standards. These regulatory changes have spurred a rapid increase in demand for recycled plastics, especially within Japan’s automotive industry. Material recycling is a crucial component in this transition.

Despite the urgency, Japan’s current material recycling rate for plastic waste remains relatively low. Of the more than 8 million tons of plastic waste generated annually, only about 20% is recycled, with merely 500,000 tons being processed domestically. Addressing this gap requires overcoming several challenges, including maintaining high quality, ensuring a steady supply, and establishing clear traceability. To achieve these goals, there must be cooperation across different sectors, going beyond traditional business practices.

SusPla aims to double the domestic use of recycled plastics by 2030, fostering dialogues between the supply and waste management sectors, and developing environmental impact indicators to guide these efforts.