Event Report | 2024 Annual General Assembly “Circular Economy” – Implementing a Circular Society –
Resource Recycling Council held its 2024 Annual General Assembly “Circular Economy – Implementing a Circular Society –” on December 23, 2024, in a hybrid format both on-site and online.
Executives and councilors of the council, as well as member organizations that form its working group and other entities involved in the circular economy, participated in person.
A summary of the event can be viewed at the link below.
At the beginning of the General Assembly, there was a greeting from Council Representative Board of Directors member Mr. Atsuyoshi Yamasaki (CEO of TBM Co., Ltd.), a video message from Councilor Chairperson Dr. Hiroshi Komiyama (President of the Platinum Society Network, Chairman of Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc., and the 28th President of the University of Tokyo), and greetings from Councilor Mr. Takao Kitahata (President of Kaishi Professional University and former Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry).
Top: A group photo of the executives and councilors
Bottom left: Representative Board of Directors member Atsuyoshi Yamasaki (CEO of TBM Co., Ltd.), bottom center: Councilor Chairperson Hiroshi Komiyama (President of the Platinum Society Network, Chairman of Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc., and the 28th President of the University of Tokyo), bottom right: Councilor Takao Kitahata (President of Kaishi Professional University and former Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry)
Next, from Secretary-General Mr. Takayuki Sasaki (Managing Executive Officer CMO of TBM Co., Ltd.), gratitude was expressed for the addition of more than 120 new members in the year following last year’s kickoff event at the Annual General Assembly, bringing the membership to over 230 as of this month. It was then explained that, to further develop and promote the council’s activities, four new individuals have been appointed to the board of directors and that a new position of “councilor” has been established to advise the board of directors on project execution. Former Vice Ministers of relevant resource recycling government agencies have been appointed as councilors.
As part of the introduction to activities for 2024, it was explained that online seminars and tours of material recycling factories were held for the members who joined, that the RRC Magazine (email newsletter) featuring members’ activities was distributed, and that opportunities were provided for members to network with each other.
In addition, details were provided on the cooperation agreements and memoranda concluded with government agencies and external organizations to facilitate the creation of new businesses and networks for members. It was explained that an internet survey on plastic resource recycling was conducted to understand the current situation and challenges of plastic recycling and to use its findings as reference in future Policy Making.
A message was delivered to the participants stating that, in order to realize government policies, they aim to leverage the collective power of members highly committed to the circular economy, together with the executives and councilors who have carried Japan on their shoulders, to generate innovative solutions, pursue rapid social implementation, and drive the creation of new growth, ultimately leading Japan to become a “resource recycling nation.”
Takayuki Sasaki, Secretary-General
As part of the introduction to the RRC Sessions working group, representatives from the companies and organizations that make up the four currently formed working groups took the stage and participated in a panel discussion.
The speakers introduced their activities related to resource recycling, followed by a presentation of the activities of each working group.
In Group 1, “Promoting Material Recycling of Plastics to Achieve Decarbonized Resource Circulation,” the speakers noted that, considering the current situation and challenges at the stages of plastic disposal, collection, and recycling output, new business schemes that integrate all stakeholders across the supply chain (both upstream and downstream) and support from financial institutions are required. They expressed their intention to leverage the strength of the council, which brings together these stakeholders, to offer solutions and carry out Policy Making in the coming term.
In Group 2, “Creating a Decarbonized, Low-Environmental-Impact Regional Circulation Model,” the speakers explained that such a model must be tailored to regional characteristics and local industrial structures. They plan to collaborate on the solutions held by the companies and organizations participating in the working group and aim to create pioneering model cases through social implementation in the coming term.
In Group 3, “Building a Japanese Standard DPP System to Revitalize the Recycled Materials Market and Creating Advanced Use Cases,” the speakers expressed their intention to strengthen Japan’s competitiveness and establish a sustainable framework by engaging in activities that consider collaboration with initiatives like the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program and Circular Partners, which lead the discussion on Digital Product Passports (DPP) in Japan.
In Group 4, “Promoting Efforts Toward Practical Application of Carbon Recycling Products Through Carbon Circulation,” the speakers stated that early practical implementation of carbon recycling products requires not only public-private collaboration but also inter-industry cooperation. They plan to work with the companies and organizations participating in the working group to foster the creation of new markets.
Afterward, the secretariat gave an explanation of the key activities planned for the next term. In addition, Mr. Yusuke Inagaki, Co-CEO of Uzabase, Inc., a platinum Supporting Member, took the stage and discussed future activities with an eye on collaboration in communications projects. The meeting then concluded.
Activities the council Will Focus on in 2025
｜Policy Making
To achieve the goal of doubling the rate of plastic recycling, we will work together with private companies across both upstream and downstream industries, local governments, experts, financial institutions, and plastic-related industry groups that are members. We will advance “research” and “pilot projects” to improve both the quality and quantity of recycled plastics, and move forward with Policy Making proposals to government agencies.
｜Social Implementation
We will increase networking opportunities for new business creation and social implementation through working group activities. To enhance the benefits for members* participating in these working groups, we are planning new initiatives that allow for interaction with our executives and councilors. Furthermore, in cooperation with government agencies and local governments that have joined, the secretariat will continue to support the creation of joint projects.
* In principle, only Regular Members and Special Members may participate in working groups.
｜Communications
To ensure that collaborative examples with our members through the council create a wider social movement, we will focus on disseminating information about “the council’s activities,” “research for Policy Making,” and “information on policy formulation processes” so that these efforts become widely known to non-members as well.
Mr. Yusuke Inagaki, Representative Director and Co-CEO of Uzabase, Inc., a platinum Supporting Member.