Newsweek Japan’s Project for a Sustainable Planet
Newsweek Japan is advancing a project called the SDGs Awards, not merely to recognize and honor outstanding initiatives, but to accelerate efforts aimed at making the planet more sustainable.
At the same time, we as media must ask ourselves: Have we done enough to cultivate followers—those who take action inspired by pioneering corporate efforts—and to spread these practices throughout society? Have we merely reported on eye-catching cases like breakthrough products or large-scale projects as fleeting news items?
There may also be valuable efforts by Japanese companies—overlooked amid SDGs discussions that have largely been led by Europe.
By actively sharing examples of Japan’s engagement with the SDGs both domestically and globally, we hope to inspire more companies and individuals to take part in creating a truly sustainable society.
Newsweek Japan Edition SDGs Award 2024
Newsweek Japan Edition SDGs Award 2023
Yamaichi Metal’s Recycling Business and the “Recycle-First” Philosophy
The article not only highlights Yamaichi Metal’s aluminum can recycling business, but also introduces the potential of aluminum as an exemplary recyclable material and the “Recycle-First” philosophy—a value system aimed at achieving zero CO₂ emissions through recycling.
Yamaichi Metal’s “Sustainable Recycled Aluminum Production Project” is a prime example. Having engaged in aluminum recycling for over 40 years, the company is working to build a manufacturing process that achieves both reduced environmental impact and resource circulation through efforts such as lowering CO₂ emissions at its factories, effective utilization of waste, and improved aluminum can separation technology.
By addressing complex social issues through aluminum can recycling, Yamaichi Metal’s project represents a high-value technological contribution from Japan to the international community striving for a circular resource-based society.
We will continue to actively promote initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and realizing a sustainable society. Our challenge will go on so that aluminum cans are recognized not only in Japan but around the world as an “eco-friendly container.”
