Abstract
Japan’s Resource Circulation Strategy for Plastics had been under consultation by the Central Environment Council since August 2018. This strategy indicates Japan’s direction toward a sustainable society as it attempts to tackle global challenges, such as resource efficiency, marine plastic litter, climate change, import bans by China and other Asian countries. This can only be realized by the promotion of meticulous resource circulation for plastic materials. The draft of the strategy by the committee contains : 1) “3Rs＋Renewable” as a basic principle ; 2) mandatory charge for a plastic bag and other measures; and 3) ambitious “milestones” regarding 3Rs and biomass plastics. This report is being submitted to the Minister of the Environment by the Central Environment Council this March. Afterwards, and based on this report, the government will formulate the Resource Circulation Strategy for Plastics at the G20 Summit to held this June 2019. Finally, prompt measures will need to be taken according to the strategy presented.
