Japan issues first design certifications under plastic resource circulation law

Japan’s Ministries of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) have granted the first design certifications under the Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Act, marking the practical launch of the country’s new framework to promote recyclable product design.

A total of 41 products were certified across several categories, including stationery, household detergents and cosmetics. Within the beverage sector, 18 PET bottle designs received certification jointly from MAFF and METI.

Among the first certified products is Suntory Food International’s GREEN DA・KA・RA Gentle Mugicha 680ml PET bottle, produced using 100% recycled PET. Other certified beverage lines include selected PET bottle series from Coca-Cola Japan, I LOHAS natural water, Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat, Asahi Beverages’ tea and water brands, and Ito En’s Oi Ocha.

The certification system, introduced under the Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Act, recognises products designed to improve recyclability and resource efficiency. Eligible products must meet defined design standards and disclose relevant information regarding materials and recycling performance. Certified products may also benefit from policy support measures, including consideration under Japan’s Green Purchasing framework.

The announcement represents the first official application of the design-based certification scheme and forms part of Japan’s broader efforts to strengthen plastic resource circulation and advance circular economy principles.

Visit MAFF (Ministries of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Japan)

Photo: The Suntory GREEN DA・KA・RA Gentle Mugicha 680ml PET bottle, certified as the first PET bottle design under the Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Act for its use of 100 % rPET.