An article authored by Mr. Joji Sugawara, Vice President of Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI), titled “Circular Economy and Planetary Health: Proposals for a Sustainable Future”, was featured as a special contribution in the 447th issue of INDUST, released on January 5, 2025.

In this article, Mr. Sugawara discusses the impact of building a circular economy on both the environment and human health, emphasizing the need for policies and practices that incorporate the principles of planetary health. Below is a summary of the article’s key points:

The Interdependence of Environment and Health: Opportunities Presented by a Circular Society

• The Fifth Fundamental Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society
  Promoting a circular economy contributes not only to waste reduction and resource efficiency but also to community revitalization and improved well-being. Incorporating the “planetary health” perspective, which recognizes the interconnectedness of the Earth’s environment and human health, is indispensable.
• Recommendations from a Global Perspective
  Drawing on reports from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the article explores the health risks associated with circular economies and countermeasures to address them. Particular attention is given to the importance of advanced recycling technologies and the role of policymaking.
• Health and Climate Change Synergies
  Transitioning to a circular economy is expected to reduce air pollution caused by resource extraction, which can help lower the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. However, measures must also be taken to mitigate health risks linked to recycling hazardous materials.
  
  

Advancing the Circular Economy in the Healthcare Sector

• Challenges of Medical Waste Management
  The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the global challenges of medical waste management. Non-incineration processing technologies and remanufacturing practices are gaining attention as potential solutions.
• Healthcare Industry and Planetary Health
  With the healthcare sector accounting for approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, initiatives to reduce its environmental impact are urgently needed. The article also touches on the role of Japan’s healthcare industry in contributing to international sustainability efforts.
  
  

Challenges and Recommendations for a Circular Economy

The Importance of Regulation and Technological Innovation
Technological breakthroughs are essential for managing waste and recycling products containing hazardous substances, with plastic pollution being a particularly pressing issue.

Public Awareness and International Cooperation
Achieving a sustainable society requires public and corporate understanding of circular economy principles and active participation. Awareness campaigns, technology transfer to developing nations, and international cooperation are key to success.

Japan’s Role as a Model Case
Japan is expected to demonstrate its leadership as a pioneer in circular economy practices through the implementation of its Fifth Fundamental Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society.

The article reflects insights from HGPI’s previously published recommendations, including: “Policy Recommendations: Achieving a Sustainable Society of Health and Longevity Through the Integration of Environment and Healthcare-Incorporating a Planetary Health Perspective into the 3rd Phase of The Healthcare Policy-(December 20, 2024),” “Public Comments Submitted: The Fifth Fundamental Plan for Establishing a Sound Material-Cycle Society (Draft) (May 22, 2024),” and “Event Report: Planetary Health Expert Meeting – Toward Sustainable Healthcare: Lessons from the Impact of Environmental Pollution and Medical Waste during the Pandemic (February 16, 2024).” Relevant excerpts can be accessed courtesy of INDUST. The full article and other features are available in the 447th issue of INDUST（Japanese only).