Japan Accelerates Circular Materials and Sustainable Packaging to Meet Climate and Trade Requirements
What
Japan has set ambitious climate and sustainability targets, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030 compared to 2013 levels. In parallel, Japan has articulated a vision to become the world’s most advanced bioeconomy society by 2030, a goal that is accelerating green innovation across Japanese industry.
Major Japanese chemical and materials companies are increasingly focusing on advanced green technologies to support carbon neutrality and the transition to a circular economy. In this context, Sweden’s global leadership in bio-based materials, advanced materials, and sustainability-driven innovation creates strong potential for collaboration. Particularly relevant sectors include paper and pulp, bio-based and advanced materials, and companies with circularity as a core strategic priority.
Japan’s packaging industry is currently undergoing a significant transformation, driven by both domestic policy and international market requirements. The Japan Clean Ocean Material Alliance (CLOMA), which brings together nearly 500 member companies across the plastics value chain, has set a target of achieving 100% recycling of plastic containers and packaging by 2050. At the same time, the Japanese government has introduced concrete milestones, including a push toward 50% recycled PET by 2027 and broader reductions in plastic waste through increased use of sustainable and bio-based materials.
External regulatory pressure is further accelerating change. The implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) means that Japanese exporters must adapt their packaging solutions to meet European circularity requirements. Products that fail to comply risk exclusion from international markets, creating strong incentives for Japanese companies to proactively seek innovative packaging materials and circular solutions, particularly from Europe.
How
Japanese companies are actively looking for international partners that can support sustainable development in new materials, packaging solutions, and circular business models. Swedish companies are well positioned to contribute to this transition, offering world-leading technologies and solutions across green chemicals, plastics recycling and resource circulation, and sustainable packaging for sectors such as food, textiles, and consumer goods.
Business Sweden works to build a strong pipeline of relevant Swedish companies and facilitate engagement with Japanese stakeholders seeking next-generation circular solutions. Through structured dialogue, matchmaking, and market activities, Swedish companies gain access to Japanese corporations that are actively exploring new technologies to meet regulatory, environmental, and market-driven demands.
As part of this effort, Swedish companies are invited to participate in the Swedish Pavilion at Tokyo Pack, taking place on 14–16 October 2026. The event provides a key platform to showcase innovative materials and packaging solutions, engage directly with decision-makers, and build long-term partnerships. Business Sweden is already in ongoing discussions with major Japanese materials companies expressing interest in new circular and sustainable technologies.
CONTACT US
For more information contact Malin Hammarström at malin.hammarstrom@business-sweden.se