Trends in the Recycling Industry in Japan and China in the 2020s - August 16, 2024

Trends in the Recycling Industry in Japan and China in the 2020s - August 16, 2024

The 2020s have seen several important changes and new trends in the recycling industries in Japan and China.

1. tightening recycling regulations in China
In the early 2020s, China introduced even stricter recycling regulations following its National Sword Policy. In response to these regulations, major Japanese recycling companies such as DOWA Holdings and JFE Engineering, for example, have strengthened their domestic processing capacity. In particular, Dowa Holdings expanded its waste treatment facility at Ecosystem Hanagaki in Shizuoka Prefecture.

2. expansion of recycling infrastructure in Japan
In response to tightening regulations in China, Japan has been strengthening its domestic recycling infrastructure. For example, "Mitsubishi Materials" introduced new technology for electronics recycling at its Nasu Recycling Plant in Tochigi Prefecture to achieve efficient resource recovery. In addition, "Toshiba Energy Systems" based in Kanagawa Prefecture is developing a new power generation system using waste plastic recycling technology.

3. Promotion of a Circular Economy
Several companies in Japan are playing an active role in promoting a circular economy. For example, Aeon Co., Ltd. has set up recycling stations in its stores nationwide to collect plastic products no longer needed by customers. Panasonic is also focusing on developing new products that use recycled materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact of its products. Panasonic's efforts in these areas are centered on its Eco-Technology Center in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.

4. international cooperation and market diversification
As China tightens import restrictions, Japan is strengthening its recycling cooperation with other Asian countries. For example, "Hitachi Zosen" is pursuing projects to build recycling facilities in Vietnam and Thailand, contributing to the development of recycling infrastructure in these regions. SMM is expanding its nickel ore recycling business in the Philippines and promoting the effective use of local resources.

5. technological innovation and digitalization
In the 2020s, recycling technology innovation and digitalization progressed. For example, "Ricoh" introduced a smart recycling system in Tokyo that utilizes AI and IoT to efficiently collect and process waste from offices. NEC" also piloted a traceability system for recycled resources in Osaka that utilizes blockchain technology, aiming to improve transparency throughout the supply chain.

6. Growing Consumer Awareness
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of environmental issues, and their interest in recycling is growing. UNIQLO conducts used-clothing collection campaigns at its stores nationwide, whereby collected clothing is recycled and transformed into new products. In this way, UNIQLO promotes the importance of recycling to consumers and encourages sustainable consumption.

With these concrete corporate and regional initiatives, the recycling industry in Japan and China has entered a new phase of development, further accelerating the movement toward a sustainable society.