An Analysis of Recent Plastic Resource Circulation Policies of the United Kingdom and Japan from the Perspective of EPR

Abstract

Since the mid-2010s, the plastic resource circulation has entered a new phase due to marine plastics and other factors, and many countries are taking actions to address this issue. This report analyzes the responses of the UK and Japan, which are both non-EU developed countries, from the perspective of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility), and discusses the differences and meaning of them. We categorized the changes in producer responsibility under the new policies of both countries into three categories: physical, financial, and informational, and further analyzed each from four aspects: collection, recycling and proper treatment, product design, and institution building. The results showed clear differences between the two countries. The UK is strengthening producer responsibility through a combination of physical, financial, and informational policy measures. In contrast, Japan does not adopt measures that involve financial responsibility, but focuses on voluntary efforts, with the goal that each actor in the product chain (production, distribution/sales, use, and recycling) should work together to fulfill their respective roles. Future studies are needed to examine the causes of the difference between the two, as well as to demonstrate the policy effects.