Currently, global plastic production is approaching 400 million tons per year, and resource recycling is moving to a new stage, as evidenced by the enforcement of the "Act on Promotion of Resource Recycling Related to Plastics" in April 2022. In light of these trends, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry compiled "Circular Economy in the GX Era" in February 2023.
Furthermore, on April 1, 2026, the revised Resource Recycling Act will come into effect, establishing a system to simultaneously promote decarbonization and resource recycling by mandating the use of recycled resources and introducing an environmentally conscious design system. In addition, on November 21, 2025, the "Act on the Advancement of Resource Recycling Businesses" came into full effect. This law aims to promote resource recycling businesses that utilize advanced technologies, secure the quality and quantity of recycled materials required in the future, and reduce related GHG emissions.
This seminar will provide a timely overview of these latest trends, focus on quality assurance for recycled plastics, and explain the analytical techniques essential for recycling. We hope this seminar will be a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of the accelerating circular economy.

■ Program:
14:10-15:00 Lecture 1: "Considering Challenges from Case Studies of the Plastic Resource Recycling Law"
Lecturer: Waste Management Division, Environmental Restoration and Resource Recycling Bureau, Ministry of the Environment
Mr. Arihiro Shimada, Assistant Section Chief, Resource Recycling Division, Kinki Regional Environmental Office

15:00～15:10 Q&A

15:10-15:50 Lecture 2: "Analytical Techniques Necessary for Quality Control of Recycled Plastics"
Lecturer: Environmental Management Division, Shimadzu Corporation
Akihiko Mitsumatsu, Head of the Circular Economy Promotion Group

15:50～16:00 Q&A

16:00-17:00 Information exchange on the recycled plastic certification system and networking session for participants.

■Organizer: Osaka ATC Green Eco Plaza Executive Committee (Osaka City, Asia Pacific Trade Center Co., Ltd., Nikkei Inc.)
■ Co-sponsored by: Eco-Business Promotion Association, NPO Eco-Design Network
■ Venue: Exhibition hall and seminar room inside Osaka ATC Green Eco Plaza (11F, ATC ITM Building, 2-1-10 Minamiko-Kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka City)