Development of the Recycling Mine Park Concept February 2001

### 1. Japan's Non-Ferrous Metal Self-Sufficiency and the Need for Recycling
Japan's self-sufficiency rate for non-ferrous metals has been declining year by year, reaching 0.3% in FY 1993, leading to increased reliance on overseas ores. This has raised concerns over the strain on landfill sites and the necessity for efficient use of above-ground resources. Recycling for the circular use of metal resources is increasingly important for sustainable economic activities.

### 2. Recycling Mine Park (RMP) Concept
The Recycling Mine Park (RMP) concept, proposed in 1993, aims to utilize facilities and technologies of mines and smelting plants to promote the recycling of waste materials. This initiative seeks to harmonize with local communities while contributing to the circular use of metal resources and environmental conservation.

### 3. Efforts in Uguisuzawa Town, Miyagi Prefecture
Uguisuzawa Town in Miyagi Prefecture, which once flourished due to lead and zinc mining, declined after the mines closed. However, by leveraging the mining technology, the town has developed "Hosokura Mine Park" as a tourist resource, aiming to revitalize the region. Additionally, there are plans to use recycling facilities as a new tourism resource by opening them to the public.

### 4. Recycling of Shredder Dust
Approximately 1.2 million tons of shredder dust from discarded household appliances and vehicles are generated annually, most of which is landfilled. However, these dusts contain valuable metals like copper, lead, and zinc, and recycling them ensures a stable supply of resources. Particularly, the recycling of non-ferrous metals is seen as an energy-saving measure, and it holds a key position in the Recycling Mine Park concept.

### 5. Case Studies of Kamioka Mining and Nikko Mikakami Recycling
Kamioka Mining, located in Yoshiki District, Gifu Prefecture, began recycling automobile batteries in 1994, recovering lead, gold, silver, and plastic. In Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, Nikko Mikakami Recycling burns shredder dust and recovers zinc, copper, and lead in its smelting process. These facilities are noteworthy examples of how the recycling law has been implemented.

### 6. Economic Evaluation and Challenges in Toyama Prefecture
An economic evaluation conducted in Toyama Prefecture in FY 1998 revealed that the cost of recovering metals exceeded the revenue from selling ingots, leading to a deficit. However, by doubling the processing capacity of shredder dust, the business is expected to become economically viable. Consequently, there are plans to expand the acceptance of discarded household appliances and office equipment.

### 7. RMP Projects in the Tohoku Region
In the Tohoku region, particularly in the Hokuroku area of Akita Prefecture, the RMP project is positioned as a regional revitalization initiative. The Hosokura Mine and Kosaka Smelting Plant in Odate City and Kosaka Town, respectively, are advancing home appliance recycling projects. These projects target the collection and recycling of televisions, refrigerators, and other appliances across Akita, Aomori, and Iwate Prefectures. Once the collection system is established, the plant is expected to operate in line with the enforcement of the recycling law.

### 8. Home Appliance Recycling Project in Uguisuzawa Town, Miyagi Prefecture
In Uguisuzawa Town, Miyagi Prefecture, plans have been set to construct a home appliance recycling plant at the site of the former Hosokura Junior High School. The project, part of a "community development plan in harmony with the environment," involves Mitsubishi Materials and other appliance manufacturers establishing a new company to process 300,000 units annually. Efforts are ongoing to secure Eco-Town certification, with the construction of recycling facilities already underway.

### 9. Significance of the Recycling Mine Park Concept and Future Prospects
The RMP concept is gaining attention for its economic benefits and potential for regional revitalization. By utilizing existing mining facilities, infrastructure can be developed cost-effectively, enabling rapid project deployment. The future of this initiative is eagerly anticipated.

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### Developments Since 2020
Kamioka Mining Co., Ltd. (Hida City, Gifu Prefecture) obtained ISO14001 and ISO45001 certifications in 2021, reinforcing sustainability and environmental safety. In 2023, new lead recycling technology was introduced, enhancing cooperation with local communities.
JX Nippon Mining & Metals Mikakami Recycling Co., Ltd. (Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture) was restructured as part of JX Nippon Mining & Metals in 2020. Since 2021, the company has strengthened its recycling technologies for electronic boards and shredder dust, and in 2022, introduced new processes. These efforts have improved recycling efficiency, with further technological advancements planned for 2024.

### Current Status of Recycling Mine Parks in Japan
Since the 2020s, the Recycling Mine Park (RMP) concept in Japan has progressed as a crucial project balancing environmental conservation with regional economic revitalization. Efforts have intensified nationwide, focusing on the recycling of waste materials and community engagement, supported by the adoption of advanced technologies and regional collaboration. These initiatives form a cornerstone of Japan's recycling policies aimed at realizing a sustainable society.

Title: Latest Trends in Polystyrene Recycling - March 15, 1999

Title: Latest Trends in Polystyrene Recycling - March 15, 1999

In 1998, the Polystyrene Recycling Association released data on the recycling status of expanded polystyrene (EPS). EPS is widely used as packaging material, and its recycling is crucial from an environmental protection perspective. The recycling rate in 1998 reached 51.5%, an increase of 1 percentage point from the previous year. Of this recycling, material recycling accounted for 31.2%, where EPS is processed into ingots and pellets and reused as plastic products. Another major recycling method, thermal recycling (energy recovery), accounted for 20.3%, where EPS is used for power generation and heat sources.

The increase in the recycling rate can be attributed to the expansion of EPS collection points called "Epsie Plazas," established independently by the Polystyrene Recycling Association. In 1998 alone, the number of Epsie Plazas increased by nine, leading to a rise in recycling volumes due to the heightened awareness and proactive efforts of companies in recycling and technology development.

The domestic shipment volume of EPS in 1998 reached 200,000 tons for domestic raw materials and 100,000 tons for imported raw materials. The amount of recycled EPS has increased proportionately, and reuse both domestically and internationally is advancing. Additionally, with advancements in recycling technology, the efficiency of material recycling has improved, and the quality of recycled products has also been enhanced. For example, improvements in the quality of ingots and pellets used as recycled plastic from EPS have been reported, contributing to the increase in the recycling rate.

Regarding thermal recycling, technological improvements in incineration facilities have led to increased energy recovery efficiency. These technological advancements have made it possible to recover energy through the thermal decomposition of EPS, contributing to the reduction of environmental impact. Furthermore, technologies to suppress the emission of harmful substances during incineration have been developed, minimizing environmental impact.

The Polystyrene Recycling Association plans to continue developing and promoting recycling technology, aiming to further increase the EPS recycling rate. They are also focusing on expanding the market for recycled products, collaborating with companies and local governments to build a recycling system. These efforts are expected to accelerate progress toward realizing a circular society.

"Vinyl Recycling Technology International Cooperation" - March 15, 1999

"Vinyl Recycling Technology International Cooperation" - March 15, 1999

To advance the development of vinyl (polyvinyl chloride, PVC) recycling technology, related organizations in Japan, the United States, and Europe have decided to establish an international cooperation framework. This cooperation is led by the Japan Vinyl Environmental Council, the Vinyl Institute in the United States, and the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers. While information exchanges have taken place regularly, a shared understanding of the urgent need to address environmental issues has prompted a more proactive approach to technology development.

One of the key areas of focus in this international cooperation is the development of feedstock recycling technology. Feedstock recycling involves breaking down waste PVC back into its original raw materials, specifically converting it into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and other chemical feedstocks. This technology holds significant potential for reducing environmental impact, and there has been a strong call from Europe to develop gasification technology.

In Japan, companies like Ube Industries and Daicel Chemical Industries are already working on developing this gasification technology. The Japan Vinyl Environmental Council plans to collaborate with these companies to advance the project. By the end of the year, a pilot facility for feedstock recycling is expected to be constructed, as agreed during a meeting of executive directors held in Brussels, Belgium. The total cost of the project is estimated to be between 1.5 to 1.6 billion yen.

Another important theme of this cooperation is the environmental impact assessment of the ash and other by-products generated during thermal recycling. A neutral European research institute will lead the analysis of the causes of these emissions and explore methods for minimizing their generation. This initiative aims to minimize the environmental impact of thermal recycling while advancing the practical application and widespread adoption of vinyl recycling.

Through this collaboration, Japan, the United States, and Europe are taking a significant step toward realizing a sustainable society. The development of these technologies is expected to establish a recycling system that minimizes environmental impact.

Food waste, thinned wood and branch materials as biomass energy 2001.05.20

Biomass energy has been attracting attention as a new energy source as a waste treatment. Biomass is the idea of an organic organism as an energy resource, in addition to plant resources, such as human waste urine, garbage from plants and animals, etc. are also included. The use of biomass energy, which is currently considered, is based on incineration heat utilization, gasification by pyrolysis, methane fermentation, and alcohol fermentation. As for the use technology, the use of heat by direct incineration and the methane fermentation of organic wastes has been put into practical use, but in the food factory, the case of adopting methane fermentation technology is increasing in response to the food waste recycling law.

Approximately 2.7 billion yen has been organized for the development and dissemination of biomass energy in the environment-related budget of the country in fiscal 2001. On the other hand, the Ministry of Health, Labour and welfare has processed human waste and raw garbage, and launched the "Sludge Regeneration treatment center Concept" to recycle methane gas and compost, and issued a subsidy only for the recycling type of new human waste treatment facilities from fiscal 1998. Therefore, the municipality is looking for a mechanism that can recycle from both sides of the garbage disposal and human waste processing.

In addition, the "Renewable Energy Promotion Law" under consideration for legislation is also touted to promote the dissemination of solar and wind power and biomass energy. 19 million tons of food waste per year, and waste material discarded from construction sites is 17 million tons annually. Only biomass resources that are currently being treated as waste rise to this amount. In addition, the forest area of the current Japan is about 25 million hectares. The forest resources that grow over the years are about 100 million cubic meters Sweden. According to assets such as ministry, the Japan has been left in mountainous areas for about 6 million cubic meters of thinned wood and branch materials. We consider these to be energy resources, and if we plan to proceed deforestation and reforestation, we can diversify energy sources and preserve forests. It also leads to the promotion of forestry, which is declining steadily.

Countermeasures against Freon gas are delayed ②

Domestic and international initiatives for freon gas Freon gases have a significant impact on the human body, while contributing to the natural destruction caused by global warming. It does not go though it is the one which appeared as a product of an endless desire either way though the Freon is left. After the possibility of ozone depletion by CFC was pointed out in 1974, developed countries, including the Japan, took steps to prevent the freeze of production capacity and the gradual prohibition of use. In the late 1980s, international conventions and protocols were established, and many countries were contracting. In 1953, the "Vienna Treaty for the Protection of the Ozone layer" (172 countries and EU) concluded the "Montreal Protocol on substances that destroy the ozone layer" in 1987. After that, amendments were made to the addition of regulated substances and the examination of regulatory schedules, etc. In Japan, in the latter half of the 1990s, manuals and programs were created for the recovery and destruction of CFC. In May 1988, the Act on the Protection of the ozone layer by the regulation of specific substances was enacted as a law to promote the protection of the ozone layer. The law has reduced the amount of CFC production and consumption in the Japan, but the collection and destruction of CFCs in the case where the equipment used to dispose of chlorofluorocarbons has been discarded has been carried out by local governments and industry voluntary efforts, There was no legal system about processing. Therefore, most of the CFC was released into the atmosphere. To solve this, it is this law that has been enacted.

In 1998, the "Household Equipment Recycling Act (Home Appliance recycle Law)" was obligated to recover refrigerant freon from household refrigerators and air conditioners. In 2001, "The Act on the recovery and destruction of CFC in particular products (CFC recovery and fracture law)" prohibits the discharge of refrigerant CFC used in commercial refrigeration air conditioners and car air conditioners into the air vain, It was obligated to recover and destroy the refrigerant freon at the time of disposal of the equipment. After that time, the "CFC emission suppression method" will be enforced in April 2015, but the slow is not progressing. As for global warming, as other greenhouse gas emissions decreased, only chlorofluorocarbon was increasing every year, and the measures were a challenge.

Significantly reduced landfill volume 1998.09.15

The amount of garbage in the ward section of Tokyo was summarized in 1997. The total incidence was 3.1% down from the previous year to 4 million tonnes. Due to the establishment of a system that can incinerate all combustible garbage by the operation of the Edogawa cleaning plant, landfill disposal volume decreased by 465,000 tons, down 34.4%. The amount of recovered waste of resources was 29000 tons, and the amount of recycled paper was increased by 94% to 15000 tons. In addition, over-the-counter recovery of PET bottles started 1400 tons was recovered.

The mail order industry buys 100% recycled paper jointly 1998.09.15

The Japan mail Order Sales Association, which is organized by approximately 300 telecommunications companies in Japan, has strengthened the joint purchasing business of printing paper used in the Mail order catalogue from October. The new materials are scheduled to be purchased at a pace of about 16000 tons annually, mainly in recycled paper with 100% recycled papers and other varieties such as coated paper and fine paper. In response to environmental issues, the company aims to compress the catalog production costs of its member companies. So far the joint purchase was limited to 100% printing paper on wood valves.

Main factors of eco business market growth②

A variety of tailwinds to create an environmental business. In the environmental business development, as described above, there is a wealth and variety of related technologies and products in the Takamine market, it can be said that the tailwind state. On the other hand, related information such as the key price has come to be widely published compared with the time of B to G (public works), and the condition has become good for the enterprise which aims at entering.
　In addition, it has been linked with the greening of the global economic market. The national environmental policy has continued to push toward green. The 21st century may come into the era of environmental treaties. Because, it is not a problem which can solve one problem of PM2.5 very much only by one country. The deteriorating global environment is not a problem that can be solved very much if, for example, a neighboring country has entered into a treaty and has not dealt with it to solve the problem.

　To cope with the deterioration of the global environment at the international level, the world-renowned environmental technologies cultivated over the Japan 50 years are a powerful weapon, and business opportunities are lurking. The legal regulations are not to be overlooked. This, for example, if it is recycled legislation relates to food waste, measures against food waste that has been incinerated so far is required. The recycling device is necessary for that, and the bud that the environmental business grows there comes out. When the legal regulations concerning one environment are applied, the environment business is surely raised there. In addition, when the environmental business is to start up, the restriction accompanying this is existing oppositely. For example, if you want to renew your building when you enter the environment business, the hurdles are unexpectedly high because of the electric business Law and construction law. Then, the deregulation of the environment business which makes it easier to enter by lowering the hurdle will accelerate.

Main factors of eco business market growth①

The domestic environmental business market currently has 10,000 companies, and business items are expanding to around 900 and all industries. They are all part of the participatory aspect.

That is one of the growth factors of the market.

　Four entry forms for entering the market. The first is "greening the production line". That is, the production line or energy saving, not to discharge the waste as much as possible from the production line, also aims to recycle, and the like to prevent water pollution with not out the sewage outside. In this effort, each company has a large number of environmental engineering department, which has zero emissions, energy saving, and emission control of hazardous substances, and it is not uncommon for major companies to spin it off. And, the business to sell the green technology, the know-how and the experience that it created here to the other companies is not to have begun now.

The second is "greening existing products". Products that are currently traded in the world are rapidly advancing green. These days, low-pollution automobiles and energy-saving consumer electronics products are natural. In other words, we create environmentally friendly products such as energy saving and resource saving of conventional products, adoption of recycled materials, and suppression of use of hazardous substances. Thus, the load on the environment can be further reduced.

The third is the application of "core technology (business) to environmental technology (business)". This is a common case for small and medium-sized businesses, and it is our stance to apply the core and elemental technology accumulated in our company to environmental technologies. The result is, for example, making a recycling device. The case where the solar cell was made by Si (silicon) which was the leading part of the semiconductor is mentioned as a typical example.

And the fourth is "M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions), a patent takeover." This is a case in which a company buys another company which is good at environmental technology, and as a result of the acquisition, the acquisition of related patents becomes a powerful weapon in the business entry. Recently, Panasonic, a manufacturer of energy-saving home appliances, has acquired Sanyo Electric, a typical example. Sanyo Electric is known as a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries such as lithium-ion batteries. For example, considering the use of natural power to accumulate unstable renewable energy in the storage battery, it is expected to be a significant demand for M&A.

Eco-Shop on the increase②

A wide range of items. It is not limited to the farm products of organic cultivation now, and the processed food which does not use the additive which harms the health has come to circulate widely besides the raw material and the method. In addition to daily necessities, a wide range of eco-products are produced, including toothbrushes using natural materials, clothing made from organic cotton materials, clothes using recycled resources such as PET bottles, stationery using recycled materials, and interior products that do not contain harmful chemical substances. These eco-products are in addition to the eco-shop, recently in department stores and supermarkets. With the growing interest in health and safety since the great East Japan earthquake, sales of such eco-products are also growing, and we are expected to grow in both manufacturing and distribution. In the department stores and supermarkets, we have partnered with manufacturers to actively develop our own environmental brand products. Along with the penetration of these eco-products, small eco-shops tend to specialize in products in specific fields and deal with more distinctive products. We are also dealing with eco-products as one of the differentiation strategies in the communication sales that are directly connected to the consumer. In addition, the distribution of Ortertrade, which specializes in products made in developing countries, was also created, and the eco-commodity market began to attract attention as a new market.

A case of small and medium-sized construction company 2000.12.20

It was in a severe, small and medium-sized construction industry that "the companion's how many firms was in the hardships of the bankruptcy", and it was in a very energetic president. Three years ago, the source of energy was the determination of "changing the idea and the change of business category." "To create a new business that takes advantage of the management resources including the network that took over from the father, and put the environment in one of the business philosophies." The environment as a philosophy is "landing on the Sosiovidines as a corporate ideal of the 21st century" and "consideration for the next generation not seen yet". The "ISO9001" and "ISO14001" certification were selected as a tool for the conversion of ideas. ISO9001 was acquired over the course of one year and two months. We are still working on acquiring iso140001. In the process of acquiring these certifications, the president says the workforce has changed rapidly.

"The social motivation of my work" or "The joy of concentrating on one thing together and studying and creating." The cost was more than I had expected, but it was more than I could get. Attitudes related to the high-ratio public works have also changed. At the site, employees voluntarily started to beautify the environment. For example, the extension of the sidewalk will be used for separating garbage and tobacco ashtrays for passers-by. You can arrange the flowers of the season, and guide the purpose of the construction into a big signboard with illustrations. "The consciousness of the people who work in the field has changed. The atmosphere of the site changed greatly, too.

Such a small change is now beginning to change the company vividly, "the president looks happy. On the other hand, a concrete mass recycling business was started to supply roadbed materials used for public works. It stopped digging from the mountain, and it switched to the concrete mass. "First, consider the environment. As a tail, the concrete masses are cheaper than 300 to 400 yen per tonne. Recycled materials have come to sell. " He is also energetic in the renovation business as a new business in the construction field. "The days of scrap and build are no longer the end. The idea from rebuilding. " All the employees are twisting their heads in business development for the environment. "I think I can definitely go," said the president. In some parts of society, the signs of such transformation are surely visible.

Reuse market in a growing trend

<Reuse of used products and business expansion >

We eco-Business network has been doing market analysis by predicting that reuse and business to reuse used products (used goods) from 10 years ago is the growth area of the environmental business. In the Japan of the resource small country, it is also important to recycle the used product effectively from the viewpoint of resource securing, but it is not turning to recycling immediately, and it is a good idea to re-use (reuse) to reproduce this in many cases. The survival of the product is not a new resource, and it is necessary not to put energy into. Not only that, but there are a number of repair businesses, such as new used markets and repair and repairs, to be created. Although many small and medium-sized establishments, it leads to a wide range of job creation. At first, a small and medium-sized company has been listed in the past 10 years. The Eco-Business network is reading that the market will be twice as much as it is now by 2020. While the store form is large-scale, it polarization to the specialty store which squeezed the material to handle. The customer will also be clear about the consumer and the business place. Originally, it is said that the reuse market will grow in line with the economic downturn. Although it is undeniable that the current reuse market is the same trend, these days, market characteristics have not been seen before. Regardless of the recession, especially in the interest of the demand layer, in addition to the diversification of the idea, the use of products (such as bad feeling because I do not know who used) the prejudice to dilute, if functionality and design property is good, the need is becoming stronger. On the other hand, the supply is also trying to improve the number of items, distribution volume and quality to meet the needs, as well as the dissemination of product information and the expansion of sales methods and systems. NET auctions have already formed a market that is lightly exceeding 1, 5 trillion yen. "When you buy a new product, it is a point to choose a commodity to sell in the reuse shop". We will not let the reuse business out of the growth industry.

Service sizing as new business model②

<Reduced environmental impact and greater customer benefits>

The business model that contributes to reducing the environmental impact of "green servicing sizing" is also in the servicing sizing. As a feature of the service sizing mechanism, because the ownership of the product is on the side of the services provider, it contributes to the proper processing of used products and the promotion of resource recycling (recycle) that the used product comes back to the donor. The "Akari Safety Service" developed by Matsushita Electric (now Panasonic) in 2002 is an example of the green services sizing. Matsushita Electric has been a top manufacturer in the production of fluorescent lamps and has been selling fluorescent lamps to users. When a large-scale office or factory that uses a large amount of fluorescent light is connected to the contract of "Akari Safety Service", the maintenance from the lending of the fluorescent lamp at a flat rate at a fixed price during the contract period, recovery of the used fluorescent lamp, the collection instruction to the consignment processing contractor It provides a total service to the issuance of manifests, storage, management and proper processing of processes. The biggest feature is not to sell fluorescent lamps, but to provide the function of "Akari" while leaving the manufacturer's ownership of the fluorescent light to the end. Although it is conceived in the midst of a low price competition, it is a form of function offer service, but the manufacturer has the merit that the collection and the proper processing of the used fluorescent lamp can be done, and the cost reduction and the waste treatment can be performed smoothly for the customer while Toriyuberu the relationship of WinWin to each other.

A case of small and medium-sized construction company 2000.12.20

It was in a severe, small and medium-sized construction industry that "the companion's how many firms was in the hardships of the bankruptcy", and it was in a very energetic president. Three years ago, the source of energy was the determination of "changing the idea and the change of business category." "To create a new business that takes advantage of the management resources including the network that took over from the father, and put the environment in one of the business philosophies." The environment as a philosophy is "landing on the Sosiovidines as a corporate ideal of the 21st century" and "consideration for the next generation not seen yet". The "ISO9001" and "ISO14001" certification were selected as a tool for the conversion of ideas. ISO9001 was acquired over the course of one year and two months. We are still working on acquiring iso140001. In the process of acquiring these certifications, the president says the workforce has changed rapidly.

"The social motivation of my work" or "The joy of concentrating on one thing together and studying and creating." The cost was more than I had expected, but it was more than I could get. Attitudes related to the high-ratio public works have also changed. At the site, employees voluntarily started to beautify the environment. For example, the extension of the sidewalk will be used for separating garbage and tobacco ashtrays for passers-by. You can arrange the flowers of the season, and guide the purpose of the construction into a big signboard with illustrations. "The consciousness of the people who work in the field has changed. The atmosphere of the site changed greatly, too.

Such a small change is now beginning to change the company vividly, "the president looks happy. On the other hand, a concrete mass recycling business was started to supply roadbed materials used for public works. It stopped digging from the mountain, and it switched to the concrete mass. "First, consider the environment. As a tail, the concrete masses are cheaper than 300 to 400 yen per tonne. Recycled materials have come to sell. " He is also energetic in the renovation business as a new business in the construction field. "The days of scrap and build are no longer the end. The idea from rebuilding. " All the employees are twisting their heads in business development for the environment. "I think I can definitely go," said the president. In some parts of society, the signs of such transformation are surely visible.

Green Plastic as an eco-material in Europe

Gradually the penetration of European consumer goods manufacturers is taking a big helm in the use of plant-derived plastics and recycled plastics. In the Japan, there is excessive coverage of the efforts of the de-oil-based plus chick about the drinking straw and the container etc. which are mass consumption and a large amount of waste in the food service industry. It seems that the clue is finally opened, but in Europe overseas, the material changes in consumer goods, The efforts of the oil-based plastics have already begun to move in earnest. <!--more--> For example Denmark major toy manufacturers have introduced plant-derived polyester products, which are made from sugarcane for the first time in the company. We are currently selling Lego block plants from plants in the form of grass and trees for a limited time, but the policy is to expand it to all products. In addition, the sneaker manufacturer Adidas is not using the new material from plants, but rather crisis it with recycled materials from polyester materials. We sold 100 pairs sneakers with recycled polyester for 17 years. It is a full-scale switching policy in 24 years. By the way, about 40% of clothing is used for recycled goods. "The cost is one to two percent higher, but the priority is to reduce the environmental impact" is practiced in the products sold. The tendency to choose products and invest in the consumer, the manufacturer, and the investor based on the consideration of the environment is spread before. It is said that it will be possible to reuse and to recover all plastic by 30 years.

Eco-Shop on the increase②

A wide range of items. It is not limited to the farm products of organic cultivation now, and the processed food which does not use the additive which harms the health has come to circulate widely besides the raw material and the method. In addition to daily necessities, a wide range of eco-products are produced, including toothbrushes using natural materials, clothing made from organic cotton materials, clothes using recycled resources such as PET bottles, stationery using recycled materials, and interior products that do not contain harmful chemical substances. These eco-products are in addition to the eco-shop, recently in department stores and supermarkets. With the growing interest in health and safety since the great East Japan earthquake, sales of such eco-products are also growing, and we are expected to grow in both manufacturing and distribution. In the department stores and supermarkets, we have partnered with manufacturers to actively develop our own environmental brand products. Along with the penetration of these eco-products, small eco-shops tend to specialize in products in specific fields and deal with more distinctive products. We are also dealing with eco-products as one of the differentiation strategies in the communication sales that are directly connected to the consumer. In addition, the distribution of Ortertrade, which specializes in products made in developing countries, was also created, and the eco-commodity market began to attract attention as a new market.

Food waste, thinned wood and branch materials as biomass energy 2001.05.20

Biomass energy has been attracting attention as a new energy source as a waste treatment. Biomass is the idea of an organic organism as an energy resource, in addition to plant resources, such as human waste urine, garbage from plants and animals, etc. are also included. The use of biomass energy, which is currently considered, is based on incineration heat utilization, gasification by pyrolysis, methane fermentation, and alcohol fermentation. As for the use technology, the use of heat by direct incineration and the methane fermentation of organic wastes has been put into practical use, but in the food factory, the case of adopting methane fermentation technology is increasing in response to the food waste recycling law.

Approximately 2.7 billion yen has been organized for the development and dissemination of biomass energy in the environment-related budget of the country in fiscal 2001. On the other hand, the Ministry of Health, Labour and welfare has processed human waste and raw garbage, and launched the "Sludge Regeneration treatment center Concept" to recycle methane gas and compost, and issued a subsidy only for the recycling type of new human waste treatment facilities from fiscal 1998. Therefore, the municipality is looking for a mechanism that can recycle from both sides of the garbage disposal and human waste processing.

In addition, the "Renewable Energy Promotion Law" under consideration for legislation is also touted to promote the dissemination of solar and wind power and biomass energy. 19 million tons of food waste per year, and waste material discarded from construction sites is 17 million tons annually. Only biomass resources that are currently being treated as waste rise to this amount. In addition, the forest area of the current Japan is about 25 million hectares. The forest resources that grow over the years are about 100 million cubic meters Sweden. According to assets such as ministry, the Japan has been left in mountainous areas for about 6 million cubic meters of thinned wood and branch materials. We consider these to be energy resources, and if we plan to proceed deforestation and reforestation, we can diversify energy sources and preserve forests. It also leads to the promotion of forestry, which is declining steadily.

Vein industry 1998.10

Two flows are formed in the logistics in a recycling-oriented society. One is the arterial logistics which connects the consumer with the consumers, and the other one is the vein logistics which flows backward the road which came in for the recycling and the reuse of the waste which comes out from the consumer. These two distributions are formed to enable the circle of circulation. Toward a recycling-oriented society, the voice that worries about the collection and the logistics side is large than the recycle technology itself. The formation of venous logistics is urgent. By the way, this vein logistics is expected to become a huge market. The environmental agency predicts that Japan domestic waste management business will be the market for 12.82 trillion yen in 2010. In addition, according to the industrial environmental vision that the Ministry of Trade and Industry has compiled in 1994, 15 trillion yen in 2010, the environmental business market is going to be an ultra-35 trillion yen, among them Resicle business, the waste treatment business and venous industry is about 24 trillion yen. It is possible to calculate that the venous distribution market is close to approximately 8 trillion yen because the cost of collection and handling of the cycle costs is about 30% now. The Japan trucking business is currently 12 to 13 trillion yen, most of which is arterial distribution for product supply. If venous logistics is required in various fields for a recycling-oriented society, it is certain that the vein industry market equivalent to arterial distribution will occur.

Re-commercialization rate is 50 to 60% 1999.04.15

The Committee of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which is considering the standards of the consumer electronics recycling law, decided to set the re-commercialization rate to 50% to 60% in weight. Air conditioner 60%, brown tube TV 55%, refrigerator and washing machine 50%, the target substance for the time being, iron, aluminum, copper, four kinds of glass. As for plastics, it is judged that it is difficult to recycle at present. It is also prescribed by cabinet order in May after the Life Environment Council Committee on April 20.

A city mine is a treasure trove of rare metals 3

All medals are unsubstantial in the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in April, the organization committee will make "the medal project for everyone from the city mines" to the Tokyo metropolitan Government, a smartphone, a gala, a game machine, Started collecting electronic small appliances such as personal computers. The goal is to make all 5,000 medals in recycled gold, silver and copper. There is a concern that it will end in the effort of the cheer only. 2001 Appliance Recycling Law enforcement, currently, home appliance recycling rate 52%. In 2013, the small Household appliance recycling law is enforced, and the current recycling rate is less than 10%. As a country, I would like to ride the big event of the Olympic Palin picks at once and raise the recycling rate which is not progressing at once, but I leave it to a "voluntary" recovery system of the others. As a result, the small household appliances of the city mine are thrown out to foreign countries as a resource, and the trader is swept away at a high price in the process of being handed over to the municipality, and it is dumped illegally because of the recycling cost (evasion).
In short, things are moving in the usual economic rules. What do you do with the issues of volume reduction and reduction? It is necessary to make the rule not to use the Virgin resource as much as possible from the beginning so that the city mine is not born not the coping therapy which says. A new product enliven the market, tickling the endless desires of the unchanging consumer. If we consider the realization of a sustainable society for future generations, is it a resource-small country, and is it necessary to anticipate the resources that future generations should enjoy, and the idea of avoidance of resource waste?