Abstract
This article provides a summay of research supported by Environment Research and Technology Development Fund (JPMEERF20193002). First, the study proposed a group of material flow and stock indicators based on six cross-sections of material life cycle: resource input from the environment, raw material input to production processes, raw material utilization in production processes, product use, end-of-life product treatment, and waste emissions to the environment. After material flow database were developed for major materials, the proposed indicators were applied to demonstrate their usefulness. Second, the study developed methodologies to evaluate integrated efforts for the environment, economy, and society. As for a methodology based on input-output analysis, it was applied to major resource recycling efforts to demonstrate its usefulness. As for an indicator "market size of business for a Sound Material-cycle Society," the study proposed the new target business and its classification with the trial estimations. Third, the circular economy indicators used in the major European countries were reviewed to provide a database of indicators and discuss improvement in international comparability. The indicator database includes definitions, calculation methods, and necessary data. Differences in the definitions of major indicators in Japan and Europe were examined and necessary measures to improve comparability were proposed.
