4-13. International Trends in Marine Plastic Regulations and Corporate Responses

The marine plastic problem has become an urgent global issue, and governments and international organizations are increasingly tightening regulations. This requires companies to respond throughout their entire supply chain and is growing in importance from an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) perspective. This issue is directly linked to SDG 14: Life Below Water, and accurately understanding regulatory trends and integrating them into corporate strategy is key to strengthening competitiveness.

1. International Regulatory Trends

In 2022, the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) agreed to a resolution to develop an International legally binding instrument on plastic pollution (commonly referred to as the Plastics Treaty), with the goal of establishing a legally binding treaty by 2025. This may internationally mandate the reduction of single-use plastics, promotion of recycling, and control of microplastic emissions. The European Union (EU) has already banned certain products like straws and cutlery under its Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive. Asian countries, including China and India, are also introducing phased plastic regulations, making compliance with these rules essential for global companies, including their import and export activities.

2. Domestic Trends in Japan and Connection to International Standards

In Japan, the Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics was enforced in 2022, mandating product development that considers recyclability from the design stage, promotion of reuse, and emission reduction. The movement to align with international standards such as ISO and European regulations is accelerating, requiring companies to adapt not only to domestic laws but to global standards as well.

3. Risks Companies Face

In addition to legal risks from regulatory non-compliance, a major risk is the decline in social reputation from consumers and investors. With the expansion of ESG investing, initiatives to reduce plastic are becoming a direct factor in corporate value. Furthermore, compliance with regulations will be required for packaging materials and parts procurement throughout the supply chain, so the impact on procurement costs and logistics cannot be ignored.

4. Actions Companies Should Take

• Introduce Alternative Materials: Adopt materials with a lower environmental impact, such as bioplastics or paper.

• Innovative Design: Implement designs with a single, easily recyclable material and reduce resource usage through lightweighting.

• Participate in Recycling Systems: Collaborate with industry organizations and local governments to build collection and recycling mechanisms.

• Ensure Transparency in Information Disclosure: Clearly state plastic reduction goals and progress in environmental or sustainability reports to ensure transparency with stakeholders.

Summary

The international trend toward regulating marine plastics is irreversible, and companies need to take proactive measures. While plastic reduction is often seen as a cost burden, it can become a business opportunity by fostering technological innovation and enhancing brand value. To achieve sustainable management, it's crucial to not only comply with regulations but also to proactively advance marine plastic initiatives as a strategic environmental goal.