Development of PET Bottle to Bottle Recycle in Japan

This review paper provides a detailed analysis of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle recycling in Japan. Japan is a global leader in PET bottle recycling due to its advanced regulatory framework and proactive industry initiatives. Japan's success attributes to the widespread adoption of bottle-to-bottle recycling, driven by the beverage industry's commitment to sustainability. By utilizing post-consumer PET bottle recovery and food-grade mechanical recycling technologies, Japan has achieved significant milestones in PET bottle recycling. This paper examines regulatory frameworks, collection systems, reprocessing facilities, and food safety assessments to highlight Japan's innovative approaches to PET bottle recycling and their impact on global sustainability efforts. Drawing parallels with Korea's early stages of PET recycling, it suggests involving major beverage companies and re-evaluating regulations to promote bottle-to-bottle recycling. The focus is on the implications for Korea to promote circular economy principles in plastic recycling.