Michikazu Kojima
Japan External Trade Organization
Institute of Developing Economies
Senior Chief Researcher
Congratulations on the establishment of the J-EPS Recycling Association.
In Japan, the recycling of Styrofoam began more than 40 years ago and has spread throughout the country, but in many countries other than Japan, Styrofoam recycling is not progressing.
Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for Sustainability, compiled by the United Nations Environment Programme, recommends recycling Styrofoam as it is costly to transport to recycling plants. is not progressing.
Many countries and regions have banned Styrofoam.
On the other hand, in Japan, recycling has progressed by reducing the volume of Styrofoam and reducing transportation costs.
I hope that the experience in Japan will be conveyed overseas, and that the recycling of Styrofoam will be promoted widely overseas as well.