#Japan #circular economy #Sustainable Practices #Chiyoda #Japan Recycle Carpet

Japan Recycle Carpet Association's Fourth Annual Meeting

On April 15, 2026, the Japan Recycle Carpet Association (JRCA), led by President Tadaki Kondo, convened its fourth annual meeting in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This event marked another milestone in the association's commitment to sustainable carpet recycling practices, with current membership reaching 89 companies. These members participate in a fully integrated value chain, encompassing everything from the collection of discarded carpet tiles to the manufacturing and sale of recycled carpet products, as well as the deployment of these products among end-users. This comprehensive and collaborative approach positions the JRCA as a leading body in the recycling sector, emphasizing its commitment to practical implementation of recycling initiatives.

Achievements and Future Directions

The annual meeting began with opening remarks from President Kondo, who highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts among member companies to promote recycled carpet tiles, transcending competitive relationships. He remarked on the recent fluctuations in raw material prices and emerging supply uncertainties, stressing the growing importance of utilizing recycled materials not only for environmental considerations but also for corporate sustainability and stable procurement.

Despite these advances, Kondo pointed out that societal awareness regarding recycled products is still lacking. He addressed the need to enhance information dissemination and community engagement, emphasizing that “awareness can lead to action.”

In a special lecture, Yoshiki Kishi from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry discussed the government's policy trends surrounding resource circulation and the circular economy as a strategic component for growth. This talk underscored the relevance of resource circulation not just for environmental protection, but also for bolstering economic security and industrial competitiveness. Kishi introduced the “Circular Partners” initiative, highlighting the collaborative efforts among various stakeholders aimed at fostering a comprehensive platform for resource circulation.

The meeting included reports on the association's accreditation system and the “Green Check Committee,” a body tasked with assessing potential greenwashing practices. These initiatives are crucial for maintaining transparency and ensuring that the values of products and practices are communicated accurately, fostering confidence among consumers and stakeholders alike. The vice president, Ochi, presented findings from a consumer and industry survey that analyzed the current perceptions surrounding recycled carpet tiles, revealing a significant gap in recognition between general consumers and industry practitioners. Over 80% of consumers expressed positive impressions of offices utilizing recycled carpet tiles, while many practitioners are unaware of the value associated with these products.

The analysis indicated that the challenges surrounding recycling initiatives extend beyond mere cost considerations. Particularly among operational departments, there is potential for actions to be spurred by better visibility of the value of carpet recycling efforts. In this context, strategies for enhancing recognition, along with the visualization of praise, approvals, and consumer feedback, emerged as key incentives for promoting wider adoption.

The JRCA aims to leverage insights from these surveys and evolving policy trends to continue fostering connections across the entire value chain, moving towards a more sustainable and circular society. With a foundation built on inter-industry collaboration, the association is steadfast in its mission to promote the practical implementation of recycled carpet products and advance sustainable practices within the community.

Meeting Overview

• - Date: April 15, 2026
• - Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Meeting)
• - Networking Event: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
• - Agenda:

- Opening Remarks by President Kondo
- Special Lecture by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
- Activity Reports
- Current State and Challenges of Recycled Carpet
- Networking Event

About Japan Recycle Carpet Association

• - Name: Japan Recycle Carpet Association
• - Location: Marunouchi 3-4-1, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• - President: Tadaki Kondo
• - Website: Japan Recycle Carpet Association
• - Mission: Established on November 1, 2023, the association promotes carpet recycling and has facilitated the recycling of approximately 30 million tons (6,000 million square meters) of carpet over nearly 20 years. This effort corresponds to about 20% of Japan’s carpet tile market, demonstrating the efficacy of collaboration among users, collectors, recyclers, and manufacturers to achieve sustainable recycling practices.