Japan's Resource Circulation Act

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Japan's Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics, enacted in April 2022, aims to enhance the recycling and reuse of plastics throughout their lifecycle. The legislation promotes the "3R+Renewable" principles—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Renewable—across all stages of plastic product design, sales, and waste disposal. It encourages businesses and consumers to adopt practices that minimize plastic waste, such as using recycled materials and bioplastics in product design. The Act requires retailers to reduce single-use plastics by offering alternatives and charging for certain plastic items. Municipalities are tasked with expanding plastic collection and recycling beyond just containers and packaging. Businesses must develop plans to reduce plastic waste and increase recycling. The government supports these efforts by preferentially procuring certified products made from recycled materials, fostering a circular economy in Japan.