Tokyo, 14 January, /AJMEDIA/
Japan’s Cabinet approved Friday an ordinance obliging businesses to reduce the use of 12 types of disposable plastic items like cutlery and straws from April as part of a push to protect the environment through a reduction in plastic waste.
Companies that handed out more than 5 tons of disposable plastic items, including combs and clothes hangers, to customers in the previous fiscal year will be subject to the restriction.
Those targeted possibly include operators of convenience stores, restaurants, hotels and laundries.
Businesses can choose how to cut down on the amount of plastic they use, with options including the awarding of loyalty points to customers who decline the items. Stores can also introduce reusable alternatives or choose to impose a charge to incentivize customers to refuse unwanted plastic.
The upcoming change is based on legislation that was enacted in June last year to cut down plastic waste and promote recycling. Business operators that fail to meet the requirement will be advised or ordered to do so. The new law also has a provision to levy fines for noncompliance.
