Multi Value Circulation : Circular Economy in Japan
Circular Economy in EU is a revolutionary approach to shift the economy toward resource efficient society. However, two insufficient points can be pointed out. One is the underestimation of the role of material innovation, which has high effects on the effective application of resources and on the realization of circulation system as the physical base of society. The other is the halfway pursuit of zero-emission of waste with solution-oriented viewpoint.
The circular economy is an excellent appear of circulation of utilized resources in dematerializing countries, but efficient utilization of resources as profit materials and expunction of waste from surrounding environment are still global issue. And these matters are located between techno-sphere and eco-sphere as the gate of efficient resource use. Circular Economy should be developed to contain these issues of materialization stage from resource-site and returning stage to the environment.
Japanese researchers and industries start to discuss the overall concept as Global Multi-value Circulation. The name of multi-value comes from retained value which is an key concept of Circular Economy. “Build to last with efficient resource use” is located on the top of circulation pyramid piled with remanufacturing, refurbishment, repair and direct-reuse. Recycling is at the base of the pyramid, and separate three different strata, namely material recycle, substance recycle and residue recycle. The residue recycle is most important to realize the zero-emission in waste management.
The research group on Global Multi-Vale Circulation has started in this year with academic researchers and industries. JST , a governmental research funding agency, adopted a research theme on Remanufacturing with view point of Global Multi-Value Circulation. Now, Global Multi-Value Circulation has gotten a move on.