Outlook of Japanese Lime Industry in the Global Stage

抄録

Lime has been around and serving mankind for centuries. Nowadays, total production of lime worldwide reaches around 120 million tons a year, with steel making, and the construction and building industry being the major users of lime products. In recent years, use of lime for environmental purposes, especially in the field of flue-gas treatment, is experiencing a tremendous growth. Limestone is one of the natural resources available abundantly and with high quality in Japan. Consequently, Japan ranks No.3 among the world's producers of lime. Through incorporating various advanced technologies, using recycled fuels, the certification of ISO and trying to keep the CO₂ emission below the level adopted by the Japanese government according to the Kyoto Protocol, Japanese lime manufacturers have made their commitment to up-keeping the world a cleaner place to live in.