After World War II, plastic spread rapidly thanks to its convenience and ease of mass production, becoming an essential part of the simple and convenient lifestyles that supported the growth of modern society. It has played a vital role in improving our daily lives and advancing industry. At the same time, however, the systems that supported this prosperity were built on a model of consuming large amounts of finite resources and disposing of them after use. Today, global plastic production is approaching 500 million tons per year, and if current trends continue, it is projected to reach nearly three times that level by 2060.※1

However, plastic is still far from being fully circular after it is used. Much of the plastic waste generated around the world is either incinerated, including for energy recovery, or sent to landfills. When plastic that leaks into the environment through illegal dumping and other causes is also included, around 72% of plastic waste is estimated not to be properly circulated. Today, only about 9% is recycled and used as recycled materials.※2

In particular, single-use products such as packaging, as well as products made from multiple materials, can be difficult to collect and recycle. Plastic does not easily break down in the environment, and once it enters rivers and oceans, it can remain there for many years. There are also growing concerns about the impact of microplastics on ecosystems. As a result, addressing environmental issues such as ocean plastic pollution has become a global challenge that is closely linked to climate change and biodiversity.

In response to these challenges, the world is shifting away from a society built on mass production, mass consumption, and mass disposal toward one based on the circular use of resources. The ocean plastic pollution problem has become a powerful reminder of the need for this transition and has helped raise global awareness of the importance of resource circulation.

The ocean plastic pollution problem has led countries around the world to strengthen international rules for plastic waste management and work toward the shared goal of zero ocean plastic litter. As a result, the shift toward a circular society has become a common global challenge. At the same time, the concept of a circular economy, where products and materials are circulated and reused while supporting economic growth, is gaining widespread attention around the world.

However, a circular economy cannot be achieved by any single company or technology alone. From product design and material development to manufacturing, distribution, collection, and recycling, every part of the supply chain must work together. At the same time, society-wide support is essential. Effective policies, collection infrastructure, and the understanding and cooperation of consumers all play an important role in building a circular society.

In response to these challenges, the Japan Clean Ocean Material Alliance (CLOMA) was established in January 2019 by companies across the consumer-products supply chain. By bringing together stakeholders throughout the supply chain, CLOMA aims to build a circular economy through plastic circularity.

CLOMA has set a long-term goal of achieving 100% recycling of plastic packaging and products by 2050 to prevent further plastic leakage into the environment through plastic circularity. By achieving this goal, CLOMA aims to help build a Japanese-style circular economy society.

CLOMA has also established Circular 30 by 30 as a milestone for 2030, with a target of achieving a 30% recycled-content rate in plastic packaging. Working back from its 2050 goal, CLOMA is steadily advancing its efforts toward this target.

What matters is not simply setting targets. By making steady progress toward the 2030 milestone, CLOMA aims to gradually expand systems that support resource circulation across society and move closer to achieving its 2050 goal.

Building a Japanese-style circular economy society is not something that can be achieved within Japan alone. By carrying out demonstration projects, refining solutions, and putting them into practice in Japan, CLOMA aims to share the knowledge and experience gained with countries and regions facing similar challenges around the world.

CLOMA aims to share with the world a Japan Model that brings together companies, local governments, and consumers to advance resource circulation, backed by the technologies and expertise developed by Japanese industry.