Consideration of Promotion of Use of Recycled Materials through Certification, etc.

Abstract

On May 22 of this year, the “Act on the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources” was passed and enacted, which aims to ensure the supply of recycled materials of the quality and quantity required by manufacturers, etc. in order to promote resource recycling. While ensuring the quality of recycled materials has long been a requirement, the proposed law is expected to increase demand for recycled materials. Recycled material manufacturers will be required to ensure the quality, quantity, and marketability of recycled materials that meet the requirements of users. To this end, it will be necessary to ensure appropriate manufacturing management, traceability of recycled materials, and production of recycled materials that can be expected to reduce GHG emissions in society as a whole. By organizing the quality and other stipulations in the existing certification systems for reclaimed materials by prefectures and third-party organizations, the report indicates that to promote the use of reclaimed materials, it is necessary to (1) certify reclaimed materials at the national level covering a wide range of reclaimed materials, (2) certify reclaimed materials with overall GHG reduction effects, and (3) disclose this information in a centralized manner.