Reusing products and materials instead of discarding them is taking hold as a new consumption model in Japan.
The reuse market has been expanding steadily, supported by a growing number of local governments rolling out related initiatives. Eager to further accelerate growth of the sector, the Environment Ministry plans to compile a road map by the end of March 2026 outlining medium- to long-term measures.
Reuse, along with reduce and recycle, is one of the "three R's" of Japan's waste reduction slogans. According to private-sector estimates, Japan's reuse market grew from ¥1.99 trillion ($13.2 billion) in 2017 to ¥3.12 trillion in 2023, and is projected to reach approximately ¥4 trillion by 2030.
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