What are the main environmental certifications for recycling stainless steel bottles in Japan?
In Japan, the environmental certification system is very complete, covering all aspects from product manufacturing to recycling. For the recycling of stainless steel bottles, Japan has several important environmental certifications and standards, which not only ensure the quality and safety of products, but also promote the recycling of resources and environmental protection. Here are some of the main environmental certifications and standards:
1. Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS)
Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) is Japan’s national standard system, managed by the Japan Industrial Standards Survey Committee (JISC). JIS standards cover the manufacturing and testing requirements for various types of products, including the manufacturing standards for stainless steel materials. For stainless steel bottles, JIS standards ensure the quality and safety of materials and are the basic requirements for products to enter the market. For example, JIS G 3446, JIS G 3447 and JIS G 3448 respectively specify the standards for stainless steel pipes for mechanical structures, sanitary use and general piping
2. Eco Mark
Eco Mark is an environmental mark certified by the Japan Environment Association (JEA) specifically for products that have less impact on the environment. The mark is applicable to a variety of product categories, including electrical appliances, household goods, and office equipment. Products that obtain Eco Mark certification must meet the following requirements:
Energy efficiency requirements: Products must have low energy consumption characteristics and be able to reduce energy consumption.
Materials and ingredients: Products must use environmentally friendly materials to reduce negative impacts on the environment.
Life cycle assessment: Eco Mark certification needs to consider the entire process of product manufacturing, use and disposal to ensure the environmental performance of the product throughout its life cycle
For stainless steel bottles, Eco Mark certification ensures that the materials used in its manufacturing process are recyclable and have minimal impact on the environment during use.
3. Top Runner Program
The Top Runner Program is a program adopted by the Japanese government to promote energy conservation, requiring products to achieve a specific leading level of energy efficiency in the market. For home appliances, electronic products, etc., each product category has its own specific “Top Runner” energy efficiency standard. For example, products such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and televisions must meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements in the “Top Runner Program” before they can enter the market
Although the Top Runner Program is mainly aimed at electrical products, its concept also applies to the recycling and reuse of stainless steel bottles. By improving the recycling rate and reuse efficiency, the manufacturing and use process of stainless steel bottles can be more energy-saving and environmentally friendly.
4. Energy-saving mark (省エネマーク)
The energy-saving mark is a mark issued by the Japanese government, specifically for products that have high efficiency in energy use. Electrical products that have obtained this mark are usually displayed on the product label, indicating that they can effectively save energy and reduce carbon emissions during use
For stainless steel bottles, although they do not directly consume energy, through recycling and reuse, the energy required to make new bottles can be reduced, thereby indirectly achieving energy saving effects. Therefore, the energy-saving mark is also applicable to the recycling and reuse process of stainless steel bottles.
5. Container Packaging Recycling Law
In 1997, Japan began to implement the “Container Packaging Recycling Law”, requiring specific companies to re-commercialize glass bottles, PET bottles, paper container packaging and plastic container packaging. After more than 20 years of development, Japan has formed a relatively complete container packaging waste recycling system
Although the law is mainly aimed at container packaging such as PET bottles, its concept and methods are also applicable to the recycling of stainless steel bottles. By establishing a complete recycling system, we can ensure that stainless steel bottles can be effectively recycled and reused, reducing resource waste and environmental pollution.
6. 3R Policy
The Japanese government has proposed a 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) policy for the circular economy, which means reducing use, reusing and recycling. Under the 3R policy framework, the Japanese government, enterprises, non-governmental organizations and individuals work together to reduce plastic, recycle and recycle plastic.
For stainless steel bottles, the 3R policy encourages the reduction of the use of disposable bottles, promotes reusable stainless steel bottles, and ensures that discarded bottles can be reused through an effective recycling system. This not only reduces resource waste, but also reduces environmental pollution.
7. Garbage classification and recycling system
Japan’s garbage classification is extremely strict. The local government of Tokyo and other regional governments have corresponding regulations that stipulate how residents classify garbage and list clear garbage classification and collection flow charts. For example, different components of the same plastic beverage bottle are classified into different garbage categories.
For stainless steel bottles, Japan’s garbage classification system ensures that discarded bottles can be correctly classified and collected, thereby improving recycling rates and reuse efficiency. Through a strict garbage classification and recycling system, Japan has achieved a 92% recycling rate for PET bottles, and plans to achieve a 100% recycling rate by 2030
VIII. Plastic Recycling Technology
Plastic recycling in Japan is mainly divided into three types: mechanical recycling, chemical recycling and thermal recycling. At present, Japan uses these three methods for plastic recycling, with a recycling rate of 85%
Although these technologies are mainly aimed at plastic materials, their concepts and methods are also applicable to the recycling of stainless steel bottles. Through mechanical recycling and chemical recycling, stainless steel bottles can be effectively reused, reducing resource waste and environmental pollution.
Conclusion
Japan has a complete environmental certification and standard system for the recycling and reuse of stainless steel bottles. Through JIS standards, Eco Mark certification, Top Runner Program, Energy Saving Mark, Container Packaging Recycling Law, 3R policy, strict garbage classification and recycling system and advanced recycling technology, Japan has not only improved the recycling rate of stainless steel bottles, but also ensured its environmental performance throughout its life cycle. These certifications and standards not only guarantee the quality and safety of products, but also promote the recycling of resources and environmental protection, providing valuable reference and experience for the global environmental protection cause.
Post time: Jan-17-2025