MOEJ selected 5 projects for the "FY2021 Demonstration Project for a Plastic Resource Circulation System toward a Decarbonized Society" program

The Ministry of the Environment, Japan, (MOEJ) selected 5 projects from among those that applied for the "FY2021 Demonstration Project for a Plastic Resource Circulation System toward a Decarbonized Society" program (subsidized project). With the aim of promoting plastic resource circulation, MOEJ called for demonstration projects under this program for the second round from June 8 through July 9, 2021, and for the third round from July 19 through August 23, 2021. The main contents of the demonstration project program are as follows: (i) replacing raw materials of fossil-derived plastics with renewable resources; and (ii) reducing energy-related CO₂ emissions associated with the recycling of difficult-to-recycle composite plastics by solving technical problems. The projects were selected through a preliminary review of application documents and a review by the Evaluation and Review Committee composed of experts.

Outline of the "FY2021 Demonstration Project for a Plastic Resource Circulation System toward a Decarbonized Society" program:

MOEJ has decided to gradually alter the use of conventional plastics in order to accelerate the establishment of a plastic resource recycling system that will contribute to the creation of a low-carbon society and a circular economy. To this end, MOEJ has been promoting the transition to bioplastics, etc. derived from renewable resources which replace plastics derived from fossil resources. In addition, MOEJ carries out the following projects with the aim of reducing energy-related CO₂ emissions in the entire plastic resource recycling system by upgrading recycling technologies and systems for difficult-to-recycle plastic materials.

(i) Demonstration projects for the transition to CO₂-saving bioplastics (renewable resources) that replace fossil-derived plastics and for their societal implementation

(ii) Demonstration projects for a recycling process of plastics and the reduction of CO₂ emissions

Selection results

In the second round of selection under this demonstration project program (subsidized project), MOEJ received 6 applications and selected the 4 projects shown below (3 replacement projects and 1 recycling project). In the third round of selection, MOEJ received 4 applications and selected 1 project shown below (1 recycling project).

Second round of selection:

(i) Replacement projects

(ii) Recycling project

Third round of selection:

(ii) Recycling project

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