Collection of Good Practices for Reducing Microplastics

2021Edition

1. Background and Purpose

At the G20 Osaka Summit held in June 2019, Japan proposed the "Osaka Blue Ocean Vision" which aims to reduce additional pollution by marine plastic litter to zero by 2050. The vision has been shared as a common global vision by many countries and regions. To realize this vision, implementing measures against microplastics is urgently needed.
 
Technologies to reduce microplastics have not been confirmed worldwide. Under such circumstances, it is important to review Japanese companies' technologies and best practices by integrating approaches to effectively prevent, reduce, and collect microplastics. The best technologies and practices currently available should then be disseminated both domestically and internationally.
 

2. Contents

The list of good practices in 2021 Edition on Japanese companies' efforts and technologies contributing to the prevention, reduction and collection of microplastics is as follows

Case 1  Sale of FIBER HOLD BAG, a laundry net with an enhanced ability to reduce the outflow of fiber fragments by Adastria Co., Ltd.

Case 2  Development of substitute cellulose material with spherical particles for cosmetics use by Daicel Corporation

Case 3  Removing microplastics using a ballast water treatment system equipped with a filtration device by JFE Engineering Corporation

Case 4  Outboard motor micro-plastic collecting device by Suzuki Motor Corporation

Case 5  Practical development of artificial protein fibers by Spiber Inc.

Case 6  Making a practical system for controlling microplastic migration from artificial turf by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.

Case 7  "MP Filter GT" initiative for reducing the outflow of microplastics from facilities by Sekisui Jushi Corporation

Case 8  Fiber structures for functional clothing that reduce fiber fragments by Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd.

Case 9  International standardization of fiber fragment measurement test method by Japan Chemical Fibers Association

Case 10  Creation and publication of "Guidelines for Reducing the Outflow of Microplastics from Grounds with Artificial Turf"  by Japan Sport Facilities Association

Case 11  Advocating the ideal of "achieving agriculture by 2030 that does not rely on coated fertilizers that use plastic" by Japan Fertilizer & Ammonia Producers Association

Case 12  Activities for controlling the outflow of resin pellets, etc. by THE JAPAN PLASTICS INDUSTRY FEDERATION

Case 13  Development of medium for hydroponics using marine-biodegradable plastic by Plants Laboratory Inc.

Case 14  Reducing the outflow of microplastics with the "MS Craft Series," an artificial turf with crimped pile by Mizuno Corporation

Case 15  A cellulose-based replacement for microplastic beads by Rengo Co., Ltd.