Japan Business Initiative for Biodiversity
       

Working Group for
Study of Marine Plastic Issues

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Plastics that have flowed into the sea are causing various harm to marine life

Plastic, which is so much a part of our daily lives, has been gathering much attention in recent years as a material that is polluting our oceans.

It is now recognized as a crucial issue that the world must address, and both businesses and countries are now rising to the challenge.

For example, a growing number of restaurant and hotel chains are no longer offering plastic straws, and there are even countries that have decided to phase in a ban of disposable plastic wrapping materials and products.

It is not the intention of a responsible company to have products born from its business indirectly pollute the oceans and disrupt the marine ecosystem.

On the other hand, when we consider the convenience and excellent functions of plastic and the fact that it is already used in numerous products and integrated in the business process, it is clear that this is not a straightforward issue that can solved by simply banning the use of disposable plastics.

We must study alternative materials including biomass plastic and recycled plastic, design products that will not be disposed of irresponsibly, and consider the efficient use of resources including the collection, recycling and reuse of used plastic, and how to maximize added values.

After establishing the ideal form to take based on such studies, practical methods to shift to this approach must be considered and then implemented.

Against this backdrop, in 2018 JBIB launched the Working Group for Study of Marine Plastic Issues for member companies to work together and engage in this critical issue with the goal of establishing resource recycling strategies for the realization of a sustainable society.

Activities

The Marine Plastic Issues Working Group first strived to grasp global trends for a circular economy and upon a proper understanding of business risks and opportunities, has been studying how companies should shift to a more resource efficient business model with a special focus on minimizing impacts on marine biodiversity.

In addition, recognizing how important it is to inform society of the necessity of plastic resources as well as their proper disposal, the group also works to raise public awareness of marine plastic issues and plastic recycling.

In 2019, a workshop was held with middle school and high school students to think about initiatives that can be undertaken together with companies to deepen understanding on the issues of marine plastics and to work toward solutions.

The group will continue to make such opportunities available to spread awareness of the issue of plastic waste in our oceans.

Workshop with middle school and high school students

Participant Companies

Calbee, Inc.
Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
Fujitsu Limited
Kao Corporation
Maruha Nichiro Corporation
Panasonic Operational Excellence Co., Ltd.
Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.