Ecodesign of multilateral recycling systems in Asia
by Jun Fujimoto, Shinsuke Kondoh, Dean Poland
International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management (IJETM), Vol. 11, No. 4, 2009

Abstract: The maintenance of lawful domestic recycling systems is essential. Therefore, it must be recognised that there are many products leaking out of lawful systems. However, the actual condition of leaked products has not been identified (invisible flow). For achieving ecodesign of multilateral recycling systems in Asia, it is necessary to clarify the condition of the invisible flow. We tried to identify the condition using the recycling profit analysis model. These results showed that material recycling utilised in Asian areas produce more profits from several hundreds to thousands of yen per product, than that of Japan. Regarding the reuse of the products and their parts, marine transportation costs have a large effect on the secondhand business and its strategies. To solve the problem of 'invisible flow', we proposed a system that allows the ownership of a product to be traced: Dual Traceable Ownership System (DTOS). DTOS is a system based on a different attitude towards 'ownership' which makes traceability of a product visible. Two types of ownership forms were considered. A fundamental awareness that 'ownership' means 'responsibility', will solve the 'invisible flow' issue, and lead to the achievement of an adequate multilateral recycling system.

Online publication date: Mon, 03-Aug-2009

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