This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
Japan has taken a significant step towards reducing plastic waste by announcing that retailers will start charging for plastic bags from July 2020. This move brings Japan in line with many other countries that have already adopted environmentally friendly measures.
Unlike some countries, Japan will not set a fixed price for plastic bags, allowing each retailer to decide how much to charge. The government hopes that this will help consumers understand the importance of reducing plastic waste and encourage them to adopt sustainable habits.
The move comes after the G20 major economies agreed in June to reduce marine plastic waste at a meeting in Japan. Campaigners have criticized the country for moving too slowly on reducing plastic consumption, particularly given its high per capita plastic packaging waste production.
Japan boasts an enviable waste-management system, with 86 percent of its plastic waste reportedly recycled. However, much of this 'recycling' involves incinerating plastic to produce energy, which generates carbon dioxide and contributes to climate change.
Japan exports around 10 percent of its plastic waste for recycling overseas, but research has shown that this waste can end up in the ocean or emit harmful pollutants when burned improperly.
As part of its efforts to tackle plastic waste, Japan's government unveiled a proposal in 2018 to reduce the country's annual plastic production of 9.4 million tonnes by a quarter by 2030.
