Companies in Shizuoka Challenging Recycling to Aim for a Sustainable Society

At a high school in Shizuoka Prefecture, where Yamaichi Metal is located, extracurricular classes are regularly held, inviting company representatives to introduce their initiatives for addressing social and environmental issues. This time, we were honored to be invited by Shizuoka Prefectural Izu General High School to give a presentation about our recycling efforts at Yamaichi Metal. The lecture was well-received, with many students and teachers listening attentively.

Yamaichi Metal’s Environmental Initiatives

Yamaichi Metal has always followed its corporate philosophy: “Effectively utilize resources and harmonize with the environment,” “Contribute to society and the community and aim for coexistence,” and “Contribute to the development of Japanese industry and pass it on to the next generation.”

With the eventual depletion of resources such as petroleum, technologies that effectively utilize limited natural resources are in high demand. Since 1985, we have been engaged in the recycling of aluminum cans and aluminum laminated foil. As of 2020, Japan’s demand for aluminum cans was 21.8 billion cans (331,178 tons), with 94% being recycled.

Through our “CAN TO CAN Recycling” program, approximately 10-15% of these recycled aluminum cans are processed. At Yamaichi Metal, we aim to effectively use resources by achieving efficient recycling of aluminum cans and aluminum laminated foil and will continue to contribute to environmental conservation activities.

Presentation to High School Students

To convey current environmental issues and our efforts in an easy-to-understand manner to high school students, we created presentation materials. The materials covered topics such as what global warming is, the consequences of its progression, and potential solutions.

What is Global Warming and Why is it a Problem?

As human activities become more active, “greenhouse gases” are released in large quantities into the atmosphere. This phenomenon, known as “global warming,” where the average temperature of the Earth begins to rise rapidly, is being reported worldwide.

The cause of global warming is said to be the emission of carbon dioxide. If global warming continues unchecked, it is predicted that by the summer of 2050, the temperature will rise to 47 degrees Celsius, coral reefs will disappear, and Antarctic ice will melt, causing problems on an unimaginable scale.

However, efforts to reduce CO2 emissions could limit the temperature rise to 1.5-2.0 degrees Celsius, indicating possible solutions.

What Can Be Done to Stop Global Warming?

Now is the time to solve environmental problems through recycling. Measures to avoid global warming are constantly being undertaken by countries, companies, and organizations such as NGOs. Yamaichi Metal is one such company. Through the recycling of aluminum cans, we are addressing the problem of global warming.

There are good reasons to believe that aluminum can recycling significantly helps address environmental issues. First, recycling aluminum cans helps conserve valuable resources.

Naturally, resources such as metals and crude oil exist in finite quantities on Earth. If we continue to use them thoughtlessly, resources will eventually be depleted. Recycling to reuse resources is crucial in protecting these valuable resources.

Aluminum is used extensively in our lives, including in electronic devices like smartphones and PCs, vehicles like cars and trains, and building materials.

If aluminum were to disappear from the Earth, our lives would become incredibly inconvenient. Aluminum recycling is very valuable.

If aluminum cans are not recycled, new aluminum must be produced, which requires a large amount of electricity. Over 75% of this electricity is generated by burning coal, so producing new aluminum from scratch increases CO2 emissions and leads to environmental destruction.

Yamaichi Metal’s Initiatives

As of 2020, Japan’s demand for aluminum cans was 21.8 billion cans, with 94% being recycled. Through our “CAN TO CAN Recycling” program, approximately 10-15% of these recycled aluminum cans are processed.

Over 35 years of operation, we have continuously invested in corporate efforts, technology, and research and development. From 2001 to 2015, the total amount of recycled used aluminum cans was about 330,000 tons, and aluminum resin composite foil was about 70,000 tons.

Yamaichi Metal will continue to focus on “aluminum can recycling” as its core business, aiming for a sustainable society and growing our business.

Requests to Everyone

Here are some requests regarding the disposal of aluminum cans. All are simple practices. If you weren’t aware, please start being conscious of them today.

・Please separate aluminum cans.

・Wash and dry aluminum cans before disposing of them (if they are wet, they can cause odor and dirt).

・Crush aluminum cans before disposing of them (uncrushed cans can roll in the wind and take up space when being transported).

・Dispose of aluminum caps and pull tabs with aluminum cans.

Thank you for your attention.

Feedback from Teachers and Students

“Students are learning about what they can do to solve the questions they have raised about SDGs. Hearing about corporate efforts made them realize what they can do, making it an informative and excellent lecture.”

“Since it was a lecture by a company actively tackling environmental issues, it was a great opportunity for students to re-recognize that each action they take, such as sorting waste, is very important.”

“It was very good that students learned that each individual’s actions could help solve big problems. It provided an opportunity to think about what we can do.”

“Discussions about global warming and environmental issues often seem vast, making it hard to know what we can do. This lecture focused on aluminum can recycling, making it relatable. From now on, I will be conscious of sorting, washing, drying, and crushing aluminum cans.”

After the Lecture at the High School

Presenting in front of a large audience was nerve-wracking, as it was not something I often do. However, preparing the lecture content and materials to be understood by high school students provided a valuable opportunity to rethink the importance of the global environment and what we can do to protect it. I want to thank Mr. Narita, other teachers, and the students for this valuable time.