Advancing Paper Recycling: FY2026 Business Plan Announced

The Paper Recycling Promotion Center (Chuo-ku, Tokyo) has formulated and announced its business plan for fiscal year 2026. The environment surrounding paper recycling is at a major turning point due to structural changes in paper demand, a decrease in waste generation, and the acceleration of policies to reduce combustible waste and achieve decarbonization. Marking its 50th anniversary, the center has positioned this year as the starting point for full-scale business development based on its mid-term roadmap, 'Towards 2030 & Beyond,' to realize its long-term vision, 'Sustainable Challenge 2050.' The year 2030 is a critical milestone for establishing a circular economy and climate change countermeasures in society. This year, with the keywords 'Demonstration, Collaboration, and Cross-sectoral,' the center aims to deepen existing efforts and build a foundation for the next stage. The business plan focuses on four key areas: paper quality stabilization, public relations, research, and resource recycling stabilization. Notably, it identifies the recovery of 'Zatsugami' (miscellaneous paper) as a priority theme, aiming to change citizen behavior through the 'Find the Zatsugami!' awareness campaign. Furthermore, the center will strengthen its role as a 'connector' to facilitate organic links between municipalities, businesses, and research institutions. It has also published the '2025 Paper Recycling Handbook for Municipalities' to provide practical support for local government operations.