45 - Environmental Technology - Summary - April 1998

45 - Environmental Technology - Summary - April 1998

Price Reduction of Photovoltaic Power Generation
The price of photovoltaic power generation systems is being reduced through integration with roofing materials and improvements in modules. Misawa Homes has developed a house that integrates solar cells and roofing materials at a cost about 20% less than conventional systems, and is aiming for further cost reductions by 2001.

2) Development of Evaluation Standards for Biodegradable Plastics
OK Compost, an evaluation standard for biodegradable plastics, was established in Europe, and Showa Kohin obtained the first certification in Japan in 1997. Biodegradable plastics are attracting attention as an environmentally friendly material and are expected to spread in the domestic market, but price and reliability issues remain.

3. rapid spread of natural gas vehicles
The number of natural gas vehicles has doubled in the year since 1997, surpassing 2,000 units. The number of CNG stations is increasing and is expected to spread further in the future.

4. 100% Recycled Newsprint
Daio Paper has begun full-scale production of 100% recycled newsprint. The new facilities at the Iwaki Daio Paper Mill have made this the first such initiative in Japan, and it is being adopted by newsprint companies, especially in the eastern Japan region. This is expected to promote recycling and reduce environmental impact.

5. improvement of recyclability rate and measures for end-of-life vehicles
Automobile manufacturers are promoting the reuse of parts and integration of materials with the goal of achieving a recyclability rate of 90% or higher. Toyota is developing technologies to detoxify and recycle shredder dust to improve the efficiency of ELV disposal. This is expected to improve the recycling rate of end-of-life vehicles.

6. introduction of life cycle assessment (LCA)
Daikin Industries, Sony, and other companies have introduced LCA to assess the environmental impact of their products to optimize energy consumption and resource use at the product development stage. Particular emphasis is placed on energy conservation and extending the life of products to reduce their environmental impact.

7. refuse derived fuel (RDF) for power generation
Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) power generation has been attracting attention, and ITOCHU Corporation, Kawasaki Steel Corporation, and other companies are promoting power generation projects using RDF. This is expected to lead to effective utilization of waste and expansion of energy resources. Many projects are led by local governments, and major companies are also getting involved.

8. investigation of actual conditions of soil contamination and response
According to a survey of soil contamination conducted by the Environment Agency in 1996, 782 cases of contamination were confirmed nationwide. Heavy metal contamination is particularly serious, and there are calls for the development of technologies to remove and recycle contaminated soil as a countermeasure. Local governments are also taking action.

9. waste reduction activities of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has promoted waste reduction activities centering on the reuse of paper, and reduced combustible waste by 41% in the three months from July to September 1997. In addition, electricity and water consumption were reduced by 9% and 6%, respectively. This initiative is expected to have a ripple effect on other municipalities.

10. progress in automobile recycling
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) has formulated a plan to increase the automobile recycling rate to over 95%. In particular, improving the efficiency of end-of-life vehicle disposal and rendering shredder dust harmless are seen as important issues, and manufacturers are working to develop technologies to achieve this goal. Toyota has introduced technology to recover fuel gas from waste.