Environmental News Summary - July 20, 2002

Environmental News Summary - July 20, 2002

1. Biomass Technology in International Competition
In Japan, the development of biomass energy technology is progressing, with high-efficiency hydrogen gasification technology at its core. This technology is the subject of intense competition between Japan, the U.S., and Europe, and Japan is actively working to secure international superiority. Demonstration tests are scheduled to begin in 2003, with effectiveness and economic feasibility to be verified over three years.

2. Environmentally Friendly Surface Treatment Technology
Shinto Surplast Co., Ltd. has adopted environmentally friendly surface treatment technology, achieving both waste reduction and reforming technology. This technology has been adopted by Chubu Electric Power and Tokyo Gas, and the company aims to double its orders within the next three years.

3. Final Disposal Site Resource Recovery Project
The Ministry of the Environment is planning the "Final Disposal Site Renaissance Project," which involves excavating waste from final disposal sites and processing it into molten slag using melting furnaces. This project aims to extend the lifespan of disposal sites by recycling waste into resources.

4. New Developments in Safe and Secure Business
Kobayashi Farm in Yamanashi Prefecture has launched the "Wine Beef" brand in response to the impact of BSE (mad cow disease). The farm uses environmentally friendly organic fertilizers, promoting the circulation of local resources. In addition, a partnership with a local cooperative group is also progressing.

5. The Challenge of Agricultural Production Corporations
Confectionery manufacturer Taneya has established an agricultural production corporation and is conducting trial cultivation of no-tillage rice. The company has also succeeded in cultivating pesticide-free mugwort, continuing efforts to provide consumers with safe and secure food ingredients.

6. Opposition to Carbon and Environmental Taxes
According to a survey conducted by the Petroleum Association of Japan, more than half of the respondents are opposed to the introduction of carbon and environmental taxes as measures to combat global warming. Concerns about increased tax burdens are particularly strong.

7. Support for the Promotion of Biodegradable Plastics
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries aims to increase the market share of biodegradable plastics in Japan from the current 0.03% to 10% by 2015. The 2003 budget includes plans for model projects to promote this initiative.

8. New Business for Craft Beer Breweries
Kirishima Kogen Beer has launched a recycling business for food waste using koji (malt starter). This technology enables the production of household feed at one-third of the traditional cost, leading to an increase in orders from local governments.

9. Zeotec's Waste Liquid Recycling
Zeotec Co., Ltd. is expanding its waste liquid recycling business nationwide by deploying treatment cars equipped with charge membrane recycling units. The company is responding to market needs and aims for early nationwide dominance.

10. International Standardization of Recycling Technology
Japan's plastic recycling technology is gaining international recognition, with efforts underway to establish unified standards with similar systems in Europe and the United States. This is expected to lead to the broader adoption of recycling technologies.