Environmental Enterprises and the Frontiers of Recycling" - April 2003

Environmental Enterprises and the Frontiers of Recycling" - April 2003

1. incineration treatment systems and end-of-life vehicle recycling
The Waste Treatment Standards Expert Committee developed draft technical standards for industrial waste incineration treatment systems and proposed policies for incineration facilities and incineration-like facilities. In addition, the Automobile Recycling Expert Committee presented draft licensing standards for the dismantling and shredding of ELVs, specifying the facilities and capabilities of operators and recycling standards. With the clarification of these standards, it is expected that waste disposal will become more appropriate.

2. material recycling of waste plastics
Waste plastic power generation is expected to expand due to the difficulty of recycling waste plastics and the shortage of final disposal sites. The Ministry of the Environment has embarked on supporting industrial waste power generation and plans to subsidize power generation facilities at five sites in Japan by 2021. By doing so, we aim to position waste plastic as a core source of new energy and contribute to the prevention of global warming.

3. wind/solar hybrid advertising lights
The neon advertising light installed on the roof of the Dojima Fukagawa Building in Kita-ku, Osaka City, is a hybrid wind and solar power generation system that uses 100% natural energy. The device combines a small wind turbine generator and polycrystalline solar panels, and lights up with stored electricity. It can be seen from the Hanshin Expressway Loop Line, and similar technology will be used for newly constructed billboards in the future.

4. clarification of the definition of infectious waste
The Ministry of the Environment is in the process of revising its manual to clarify the definition of infectious waste and eliminate confusion in the medical field. Since the handling of infectious waste has a significant impact on treatment methods and fees, there have been growing calls for clarification of definitions from the medical and treatment industries. After the revision, unified treatment will be promoted and proper treatment of medical waste is expected.

5. enforcement of the Green Purchasing Law
The Green Purchasing Law, which went into effect in 2001, mandates the purchase of environmental goods, etc. by state agencies and promotes green purchasing by local governments and businesses. 24 items have been added to the law since 2003, and the market is becoming increasingly green. The Green Purchasing Law has led to an increase in demand for products and services with low environmental impact and a shift from economic efficiency to eco-efficiency.

6. Sharp's environmentally friendly air conditioners
Sharp has launched air conditioners equipped with "sterilizing ion technology" that removes viruses and mold bacteria. In addition, Sharp has developed components that take disassembly into consideration, with the aim of reducing work time and future unmanned operation. These air conditioners have been noted for their consideration of the indoor environment, and as products that emphasize the health and comfort of the consumer.

7. air conditioner with oxygen-enriched membrane
Matsushita Electric Industrial has launched an air conditioner equipped with an oxygen-enrichment membrane that draws in highly concentrated oxygen from the outside air. This technology increases the oxygen concentration in the air and provides a clean indoor environment. Because the oxygen-enriched membrane allows only air molecules to pass through, it removes dust and bacteria and improves indoor air quality.

8. use of biodegradable plastics
Sony has introduced a Walkman that uses biodegradable plastic made from plant materials for the housing. After disposal, this plastic is decomposed by microorganisms and reduced to CO2 and water. Fujitsu is also working to develop products that reduce environmental impact by using similar materials in PCs. This provides a new solution to the problem of electronic device waste.

9. creation of a recycling-oriented society
In the area related to infrastructure for daily life, recycling infrastructure is being developed and waste treatment facilities are being built. 2003 saw the establishment of the "Landfill Land Reclamation Project" to develop facilities to reduce the volume and recycle waste landfilled at municipal final disposal sites for general waste. This is expected to alleviate the tightness of landfill disposal sites.

10. environmental transformation of public works
Public works projects in Japan are shifting to environmentally friendly social infrastructure development in the 21st century. New types of public works projects such as eco-roads, eco-ports, and recycled boats are attracting attention, and environmentally conscious infrastructure development is underway. This shift is helping to balance environmental conservation and economic development.