Exploring European ELV Regulations and Japan's Automotive Plastics Industry

Seminar on European ELV Regulations and Japan's Automotive Plastics

On September 2, 2025, a vital seminar titled "European ELV Regulations and Japan's Automotive Plastics" will be hosted by Dr. Tadayoshi Takahara, the CEO of Tech-T and a former executive at Toyota and Samsung SDI. In this session, participants will delve into the latest trends in European ELV regulations and their impact on Japan's automotive plastics sector.

Overview of the Seminar

This engaging online seminar will run from 1 PM to 3 PM and will be broadcasted live via Zoom, with an option for participants to access the archived session for two weeks, ensuring flexible viewing times.

Key Topics Covered

1. The Role of Plastics: Plastics are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from the lightweight PET bottles to the essential components found in vehicles. Almost every part within a car is made from plastic, contributing to crucial functionalities, particularly in electric and hydrogen vehicles. However, the associated issues of marine pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-derived plastics cannot be ignored.
2. Recycling and Sustainability: In response to these environmental challenges, efforts are being ramped up to ensure effective recycling processes and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This seminar will elaborate on how such practices can be transitioned into economically viable and sustainable business models.
3. European Regulations: With Europe being at the forefront of environmental regulations, the EU has introduced proposals aimed at enhancing the lifecycle management of vehicles, focusing on the recycling of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs).
4. Japan's Response: Japan is actively preparing to meet these regulatory changes through various initiatives spearheaded by government agencies, industry groups, and individual corporations. The interrelated nature of these efforts will be thoroughly discussed.
5. Case Studies in Technology: The seminar will also cover current technological advancements, including how different companies are innovating in the recycling of automotive plastics and implementing reduced usage of plastics via alternative materials.

Detailed Agenda

1. Reviewing the Pros and Cons of Plastics:
- Interactive experience from Churaumi Aquarium.
- The case study of Yakult's delivery system.
- Benefits and precautions of utilizing plastics in automotive applications.

2. Understanding Recycling:
- Types of recycling: mechanical, cascade, chemical, thermal.
- Comparison of their similarities and differences.

3. Regulatory Trends Globally:
- Overview of the EU ELV regulations and amendments to be made in January 2025.
- Current situation in China.

4. Regulations and Industry Trends in Japan:
- Overview of legal frameworks and initiatives by relevant ministries.
- Examples of collaborative efforts between academia and industry sectors.

5. Leading Innovations:
- Insights into recycling plastics in the automotive sector.
- Strategies for reducing plastic use and transitioning to bio-alternatives.
- Discussion on easy disassembly features.

6. Circular Economy Insights:
- Efforts by Toyota, Honda, and Nissan to promote sustainability.
- Trends from a Japan-centric perspective through industry-academia partnerships.

7. Q&A Session: Opportunity for participants to engage with the speaker and delve deeper into the topics covered.

For more information about the seminar and to register, please visit SSK21.

About SSK

Founded on December 6, 1996, the New Society System Comprehensive Research Institute (SSK) has organized approximately 500 business seminars annually for over 28 years, providing cutting-edge business insights to help companies thrive in an ever-evolving market landscape.