Japan is preparing a 1 trillion yen program to expand recycling of critical minerals and plastics, aiming to reduce reliance on imports and steady supply chains, Nikkei reported Tuesday.
The plan combines subsidies with financing from the Japan Green Investment Corp. for Carbon Neutrality and potential green transformation bonds, alongside investment in AI-driven sorting to improve efficiency, according to the report.
By 2030, the government wants recycled sources to account for 40% of aluminum supply and 30% of materials used in permanent magnets. It also targets capacity to convert about 2 million metric tons of iron scrap each year into high-grade steel, the report said.
Rules will be phased in through fiscal 2028 to require higher use of recycled plastics in products such as bottles, according to the report.
Japan also plans to deepen links with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, importing e-waste like circuit boards for processing at home, while supporting regulatory frameworks in the region and tightening approvals for exports that risk pollution, the report said.
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