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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 nationwide, but in many countries other than Japan, the recycling of Styrofoam is not progressing.
According to the United Nations Environment Program's Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for Sustainability, recycling is hampered by the cost of transporting Styrofoam to recycling plants. I'm doing it.
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 efforts will be made to promote the recycling of polystyrene foam widely overseas.