Hormuz tensions prompt Japan to take action against single-use plastics
The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Middle East has once again exposed the vulnerability of Japan's import-dependent economy, with about 80 percent of naphtha, used to make materials such as plastics, sourced from the region, Kyodo reports.
Rising prices caused by procurement challenges are leading to production cuts and higher costs for plastic products, affecting household budgets in a society reliant on petroleum-based goods. Additionally, one company's decision to switch to black-and-white packaging because of a lack of color ink has drawn attention.
The Japanese government is releasing oil stockpiles and actively seeking alternative suppliers. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized that the government will consider all options, saying it will respond "without ruling out any possibility." However, prolonged disruptions are likely to eventually affect society.
Single-use containers and packaging, which make up about 40 percent of plastic waste, depend almost entirely on imported fossil fuels for their raw materials.
Although it is urgent to allocate resources vital for medical purposes, Japan also needs to fundamentally reevaluate its long-standing throwaway culture. Promoting alternatives such as reusable cup-and-container lending programs and package-free sales is important – these options are already practical.
A 2024 Greenpeace Japan report estimated that if three major convenience store chains and three cafe chains, which heavily use disposable drink cups, switched all takeout beverage cups consumed in 2023 to a rental-based reusable cup system, they could save over 271,000 barrels of oil annually.
Scaling up domestic loops for reusable containers would significantly reduce single-use plastic packaging and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels. This shift would help build a more resilient, sustainable, and stable society, less vulnerable to turmoil in the Middle East. Moreover, establishing regional washing and logistics centers could generate employment opportunities.
Over the past three years, Coca-Cola's German subsidiary has invested over 170 million euros ($195 million) to build infrastructure for returnable glass bottles as an alternative to plastic. The project notably reduced transport distances by establishing regional washing and filling lines, lowering carbon emissions and creating jobs.
Such large-scale investment in reuse is becoming an essential management decision for sustainable growth.
Japan's Plastic Resource Circulation Strategy, formulated in 2019, aims to reuse or recycle 60 percent of plastic containers and packaging by 2030. However, current measures are insufficient to achieve expanded reuse.
Using the Middle East crisis as a catalyst, the Japanese government should expedite the adoption of reuse policies and encourage companies to adopt business models that reduce reliance on single-use products.
Instead of maintaining a fossil fuel-dependent society through traditional measures such as subsidies and sourcing from alternative suppliers, can Japan pursue fundamental structural reform? Its political resolve is now being tested.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that popular Japanese chips would hit shelves in monochrome packs amid a naphtha shortage.
