August 15, 1994 - Tokyo, Yokohama, Biodegradable Plastic, IS014000 - Eco-Environmental News Summary

August 15, 1994 - Tokyo, Yokohama, Biodegradable Plastic, IS014000 - Eco-Environmental News Summary

1. expanding sewage sludge recycling
Tokyo Metropolitan Government has achieved 100% sewerage system penetration, resulting in an increase in sludge generation. As volume reduction through incineration and the use of building materials continue to advance, the development of permeable bricks and plock is gaining momentum. In particular, the use of lightweight aggregates and sludge slag is being explored to reduce environmental impact and recycle resources at the same time.

2. production of paper and jewelry from sewage sludge
Yokohama City and NKK have developed recycled paper from sludge that can be used for wallpaper and business cards. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government commercialized necktie pins and necklaces made from molten slag, which have become popular. This is a precedent for the use of sewage sludge as daily necessities.

Residents' Movement for Industrial Waste Treatment Plants
A number of residents opposed the construction of treatment plants, fearing groundwater contamination and traffic problems. Sit-in protests in Odawara, Sendai, and other cities against the cancellation of permits and operation of the plant have stalled the progress of the project. Building public trust has become an issue.

Conversion of a former golf course into a waste treatment plant
A movement to convert a planned golf course site that ended in development failure into an industrial waste treatment plant is reported. Although the conversion is based on the similarity of the licensing process, profitability and the difficulty of building consensus among local residents are major obstacles.

5. financial backing and financing issues
A large investment is required to construct the treatment plant, but financing is difficult due to low collateral value and opposition from local residents. The contradictory structure of the project, whereby a development permit from the local government is a prerequisite for financing while a loan requires permits and approvals, is seen as problematic.

6. Environment Agency estimate: Eco-business market to be worth 26 trillion yen in 2010
The Environment Agency forecasts that the domestic eco-business market will grow from 5.96 trillion yen in 1990 to 26 trillion yen in 2010. In particular, waste management, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient housing are attracting attention as growth industries.

7. the Rise of Biodegradable Plastics
The 1990s saw the development of biodegradable plastics. A wide variety of products appeared, including ICL's BioPol, Japan's Bionolle, and Turpy. With their suitability for incineration and recycling, they are expected to be a solution to the waste problem.

8. regulations and diffusion trends of biodegradable plastics
In the U.S. and Italy, biodegradable materials have been mandated and taxed. In Japan, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has established a committee to study the practical application of biodegradable plastics and is moving to promote their introduction. The market for biodegradable plastics is expected to expand rapidly in the future, depending on the development of the legal system.

IS014000 Series and Environmental Management Standards
The introduction of the IS014000 series of international environmental management standards by ISO is underway. As the debate over standards continues between Europe and Japan/U.S., it is pointed out that this could become a new "non-tariff barrier" for Japanese companies when exporting.

10. cooperation between local governments and the third sector
Third-sector waste treatment businesses led by local governments are being explored to achieve both resident-oriented measures and business stability. Attempts are underway to enable sustainable operations through a joint public-private framework that utilizes foundations.