Publication of Collection of Good Practices for Reducing Microplastics

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.

Main Contents

The Ministry of the Environment, Japan has compiled a collection of good practices on Japanese companies' efforts and technologies contributing to the prevention, reduction and collection of microplastics. The list of good practices is as follows.

Case 1 Laundry net with enhanced ability to reduce fiber fragment outflow by Adastria Co., Ltd

Case 2 Development of substitution materials for cosmetics using cellulose by Daicel Corporation

Case 3 Removing microplastics using a ballast water treatment device equipped with a filtration device by

JFE Engineering Corporation

Case 4 Outboard motor microplastics recovery device by Suzuki Motor Corporation

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

Case 6 Demonstration test for controlling microplastic migration from artificial turf by Sumitomo Rubber

Industries, Ltd.　

Case 7 Fiber structures for functional clothing that reduce fiber fragment by Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd.

Case 8 International standardization of fiber fragment measurement test method by Japan Chemical Fibers

Association

Case 9 Measures to prevent coated fertilizer shells from leaching out of the field by Japan Fertilizer &

Ammonia Producers Association

Case 10 Activities for controlling outflow of resin pellets, etc. by THE JAPAN PLASTICS INDUSTRY

FEDERATION

Case 11 Development of medium for hydroponics using marine-biodegradable plastic

by Plants Laboratory Inc.

Case 12 A cellulose-based replacement for microplastic beads by Rengo Co., Ltd.

For Japanese

Attached File:

• Good Practices for Reducing Microplastics [PDF 3.7 MB]