Japan - Observations

• Government is invested in developing infrastructure for recycling (e.g. PVC from construction sites)

• Industry is beginning to establish standards for recycled materials (PVC for non-pressurized waste water pipes)

• Strong awareness of the relationship between conservation and economics (lean = green), as seen at Toyota and Toyo Seikan.

• Government is trying to develop a large LCA database that is specific to Japan and that is viewed as a national project