Japan discloses prerequisites for PET bottles, cosmetics, and various other products
Japan has announced new Design Guidelines for Plastic-Containing Products, set to take effect on 24 January 2026. These guidelines aim to bolster Japan's transition into a circular economy by increasing recycled content, reducing material consumption, and improving recyclability.
The new criteria will apply to beverage bottles, detergent containers, cosmetic packaging, and other plastic-containing products marketed in Japan. Companies must obtain certification between January 24, 2026, and January 1, 2027, according to the guidelines, although specific company names and detailed criteria were not found in the provided search results.
For PET beverage bottles, various criteria apply depending on their application. For pressure-resistant PET beverage bottles, the label must be separable from the bottle during the recycling process, and the cap must be made from PE or PP with a specific gravity of less than 1.0. The handle must be made of uncoloured PET, PE, or PP with a specific gravity of less than 1.0, and any printing ink used on the label must not adhere to the bottle. Labels for PET beverage bottles must not be made of PVC, and caps are not permitted to utilize PVC or Al.
Containers made of PE or PP must be uncoloured or white, and their specific gravity must be less than 0.97 grams per cubic centimetre. Any materials other than plastic must be separable by material, and the whole pack must fall below a set unit value corresponding to the type of cleaning agent.
Refillable cosmetics packs (excluding caps, dispensers, spouts, and other accessories) must be made exclusively of PET, PE, or PP. The components of cosmetics packs must be separable. The body of the cosmetics pack may not be printed, unless laser printing is utilized.
Specific limits are set on the amount of plastic used depending on the product's volume, with the required amount of pre- or post-consumer recycled material reaching 60% in some contexts. Aseptic PET beverage bottles must be made exclusively from PET with no added substances, unless the bottle containing non-PET substances is considered safe, hygienic, and recyclable.
Household cleaning products may meet the criteria if the main container can be reused and refilled with cleaning agents. Compliant businesses must undergo an assessment and provide data to achieve certification. Once a product has passed certification, it can be advertised under Japan's Green Purchasing Law, and may receive assistance for recycling facilities.
In India, plastic packaging now requires on-pack information via an on-pack barcode, QR code, or unique number. Market operators in India must publicize their compliance or face sanctions. In New York, Senate Bill 1464 proposed that sellers or distributors of packaging would have to register with a packaging reduction organization and develop a plan to reduce and recycle their waste, but it did not pass.
These new standards in Japan are part of a global effort to promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste. As more countries implement similar guidelines, we may see a significant shift towards a more sustainable future.
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