Kao receives first manufacturer license for plastic waste recycling in Japan

JAPAN – Kao Corporation and its subsidiary, Kao Transport and Logistics Company Limited, have secured approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of the Environment for a groundbreaking voluntary plastic packaging collection initiative in Kamakura City.

This marks the first such approval granted to a manufacturer or retailer for public plastic packaging collection under Japan’s Plastic Resource Circulation Act, effective since April 1, 2022.

The approval allows Kao and Kao Logistics to collect used refill packs within the Kao Group’s business locations and throughout Kamakura City without the need for additional service permissions under the Waste Management Act.

This strategic move aligns with Kao’s commitment to fostering a circular economy for plastic packaging.

Kao has been actively engaged in field tests aimed at recycling used plastic packaging from consumer products in collaboration with local governments and companies.

Notably, Kao has developed film-to-film recycling technology, focusing on collecting used refill packs and bottles to create new packaging materials.

By May 2023, Kao successfully commercialized refill packs incorporating recycled materials, marking a significant milestone in their sustainability journey.

In Japan, household plastic packaging is typically processed as general waste by local governments using specific methods outlined in the Waste Management Act.

Kao’s collection efforts specifically target locations where plastic packaging is treated as a valuable resource rather than traditional waste, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.

The approval for voluntary collection granted to Kao under the Plastic Resource Circulation Act streamlines the process for manufacturers and retailers to collect and recycle plastic packaging without additional service permissions.

Kao plans to transport collected refill packs to a pilot recycling plant at the Kao Wakayama Research Laboratories, leveraging existing delivery and pick-up routes managed by Kao Logistics and other logistics partners to minimize transportation costs and environmental impact.

This approved collection model can be replicated in other regions with similar collection practices, facilitating rapid expansion of plastic recycling initiatives.

Looking ahead, Kao aims to showcase this successful collection model to local governments and businesses, promoting increased collaboration and adoption of sustainable recycling practices nationwide.

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