Overview

This study is aimed at establishing an optimal plastic resource cycle system in Japan. As shown in the figure on the right, we aim to reduce CO2 emissions from traditional plastic materials (TraPL) at the entrance by reducing the use of TraPL and increasing the use of bioplastic materials (BioPL) in raw material procurement and manufacturing (initial processes). In consumption, use, and disposal (intermediate processes), we aim to increase the life san and reuse rate through changes in consumption behavior through policy intervention and changes in environmental awareness. In final treatment and disposal (final processes), it is aimed at using the optimal recycling and heat recovery method for each type of used plastic resource to substitute for new products at the exit, thereby helping to reduce CO2 emissions from TraPL. The goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by reducing the amount of CO2 emissions in the intermediate and final processes close to the amount of CO2 emissions in the initial processes through plastic resource cycling based on the 3Rs.
 

Social significance

Providing academic information by this study will help to form a recycling-oriented society and a low-carbon society in which the burden on the environment is reduced as much as possible by controlling the generation of plastic waste and their appropriate cyclical use and disposal to reduce the consumption of natural resources. Furthermore, it will help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).