A public–private–academic platform where government, universities, research institutes, companies, and community groups work together to demonstrate a regional circulation model using biodegradable plastics.
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As an island region, Okinawa Prefecture faces waste-treatment costs, limited landfill capacity, and growing waste linked to tourism. Japan’s national government treats the shift to a circular economy as a key policy, advancing resource circulation, decarbonization, and regional vitality together.
This council aims to promote social demonstration of a regional circulation model using biodegradable plastics, and to build a neutral platform that connects government, universities, research institutes, companies, community groups, and citizens.
We aim to apply insights from demonstration to public policy, education, tourism, disaster preparedness, and local industry, and to share a model starting in Okinawa City across the prefecture and, in time, nationwide.
Through collaboration with diverse partners, the council seeks a circular society that fits Okinawa.
How we collaborateTo pass on beautiful seas and island life to the next generation, we examine circulation systems suited to this region.
In Okinawa, tourism and daily life sit next to the sea. Options that can reduce the risk of single-use plastics entering the ocean need to be considered.
Awase tidal flat (Okinawa City) / Photo: Ray_go / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
On islands, treating waste and shipping it off-island involves cost and distance. We explore circulation that can be completed more locally.
We examine a model that connects everyday containers and materials from dining, events, and retail—from collection through breakdown and return to the community.
We aim to verify use, collection, sorting, transport, breakdown, and return to the community as one system, and to build a circulation model suited to Okinawa.
We map where biodegradable containers and materials can be used.
Illustration of the circulation model
We study post-use collection routes and operating conditions.
Illustration of the circulation model
We review on-site sorting methods and how to label and communicate them.
Illustration of the circulation model
We organize the efficiency and challenges of moving and consolidating materials within the islands.
Illustration of the circulation model
We proceed with verification of breakdown conditions and treatment methods.
Image of a breakdown treatment process
We explore how treated resources might be used locally.
Illustration of the circulation modelThese are candidate areas under consideration and coordination—not claims that programs are already in place.
We consider how short-use materials are handled at visitor-heavy sites such as tourism facilities.
We envision sorting and collection where containers and materials concentrate in a short period, such as festivals.
We study use and collection of food containers in restaurants, food courts, and similar settings.
We organize substitution potential at everyday contact points, such as packaging and takeaway materials in stores.
We consider demonstration sites linked with environmental education in public spaces and schools.
We examine possible agricultural uses as a way to return treated resources to the region.
These are the current pillars of design and study. They do not represent live demonstration projects already in operation.
We work on designing the flow from use through return to the community, matching Okinawa’s geography and existing treatment systems.
With partners, we study collection routes, sorting labels, and communication that can be sustained on site.
We confirm treatment conditions and operational points on a scientific basis.
We organize indicators such as environmental load, safety, and operating cost, and the conditions needed for broader social use.
This is not a venue to promote any single company. We build a collaboration space that values public interest and neutrality. Organization and individual names will be published after consent.
Helps grasp local issues, connect to policy, and coordinate demonstration in public spaces—the foundation for social use.
Support the quality of demonstration through scientific verification, data evaluation, and sharing of knowledge.
Help practical operations take shape through cross-sector coordination and sharing of field knowledge.
Bring technology, products, and operations know-how, and cooperate in verification on demonstration fields.
Join in building circulation rooted in daily life, reflecting local voices and practice.
Founding statement, bylaws, business plans, and other materials will be posted as they become available. Current PDFs are in Japanese.
We welcome inquiries from government agencies, universities, companies, community groups, and individuals who share the council’s purpose.
Contact the secretariat
