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Towards Plastic Circularity: Current Practices in Plastic Waste Management in Japan and Sri Lanka

Author

Listed:
  • Sayaka Ono

    (School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand)

  • Harshi Tharangika Sirisena Aluthduwe Hewage

    (School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand)

  • Chettiyappan Visvanathan

    (School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand)

Abstract

Despite their different economic backgrounds, Japan and Sri Lanka share similarities as island nations. As a developing country, Sri Lanka needs to identify the country’s existing situation of Plastic Waste Management (PWM) to improve the circularity in the sector. Japan’s existing PWM strategies are a pointer for Sri Lanka to improve the circularity along the plastic value chain. The main aspects that are considered in this study are quantitative data related to the plastic value chain, plastic recycling technologies, plastic recycling businesses, policies, regulations related to plastic waste management, and public awareness strategies in plastic waste management. The methodology relied on literature review and interviews. The main focus of these interviews was to fill the information gap that was identified during the literature review. Japan is practicing all the stages of the plastic value chain, including virgin plastic production, whereas virgin plastic production is absent in Sri Lanka. Technological and policy advancements like the application of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in PWM in Japan can be used as a means of achieving circularity in the Sri Lankan PWM sector. The well-established informal plastic recycling industry in Sri Lanka is a significant feature compared to Japan’s formal plastic recycling industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Sayaka Ono & Harshi Tharangika Sirisena Aluthduwe Hewage & Chettiyappan Visvanathan, 2023. "Towards Plastic Circularity: Current Practices in Plastic Waste Management in Japan and Sri Lanka," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-14, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:9:p:7550-:d:1139463
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sun-Kyoung Shin & Namil Um & Yong-Jun Kim & Na-Hyeon Cho & Tae-Wan Jeon, 2020. "New Policy Framework with Plastic Waste Control Plan for Effective Plastic Waste Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-13, July.
    2. Sivappirakasam Kamalakkannan & Amila Abeynayaka & Asela K. Kulatunga & Rajeev Kumar Singh & Miwa Tatsuno & Premakumara Jagath Dickella Gamaralalage, 2022. "Life Cycle Assessment of Selected Single-Use Plastic Products towards Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations in Sri Lanka," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-25, October.
    3. Agnieszka Kijo-Kleczkowska & Adam Gnatowski, 2022. "Recycling of Plastic Waste, with Particular Emphasis on Thermal Methods—Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-21, March.
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