Stripping off: Japan ups recycling game by allowing removal of all labels and tags for PET bottles
Japan stepped up efforts to promote recycling and sustainability in the country by amending its regulations to allow the sales of specified condiments and beverages in PET bottles without any labels or tags whatsoever.
This latest amendment was made under the country’s Law for Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources, which falls under what is known as the ‘3R Policies’.
“All containers made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that contain beverages and specific food condiments and seasonings can omit identification marks such as tags and labels unless required to do so under the provision of other laws and regulations,” said METI via a formal statement.
“A recycling identification mark must still be engraved directly on the PET bottle even though an identification label is no longer required. This must be located on the bottom or sides of individual containers.”