The Minister of the Environment, Shinjiro Koizumi, explained in a press conference on the 9th that that day the Cabinet approved a new bill to strengthen and reduce the recycling of plastic waste. “It is the first law that focuses on the plastic material for the first time. By 2050, the field of plastics will completely change to a circular economy. It is the law that will be the starting point.”

He also referred to the charge for plastic shopping bags that began in July last year, noting that “if this law is enacted and enforced, (the charge) will not be limited to plastic bags.” “If you buy a lunch box from a convenience store, you will be given a disposable plastic spoon or fork for free, but you will no longer be given a disposable plastic fork or fork for free or unconditionally.” If the bill passes, forks and spoons delivered to convenience stores will be charged.

The new bill will include a mechanism for collecting food trays from households as “plastic resources.” In addition, once the law is passed, retailers and restaurants will be required to reduce the use of plastic products. Shinjiro said, “The world is moving and changing widely. Regarding plastics, we will do our best to enact the law so that the recycling of resources progresses.”