Abstract
The present regime for materials-circulation in Japan is based upon recycling plants that are highly advanced technologically and are able to supply high-quality secondary materials. However, since end-of-life products are currently more positively priced within the system, they are now being considered ‘goods’ as opposed to ‘buds’, and often being traded out of the regime as a result ; and are even being exported to developing countries. This results in low-quality recycling and a potential for pollution to be dispersed at the final destination. In order to stop this trend and start circulating these materials domestically, reverse logistics or transportation of end-of-life products, parts and materials must be thoroughly upgraded. By using advanced IT technologies and constructing a network among those who are transporting the end-of-life products, parts and materials, the value being added in the transaction of these commodities can be increased. As a result, it will be favorable to both trade and treat them in Japan, making the potential for pollution lower and the quality of recycling higher.
