The Japanese government has announced a new environmental strategy aimed at cutting the amount of clothing discarded by households by 25 percent by fiscal 2030 compared with 2020 levels, part of a broader push to reduce the environmental impact of apparel production and consumption.
The Environment Ministry plans to compile a national action plan by March 2026, outlining measures that households, local governments, and businesses must adopt to scale up reuse, recycling, and responsible consumption of clothing. High volumes of garments regularly end up in landfills or incinerators, placing significant pressure on natural resources and contributing to pollution.
The Challenge of Clothing Waste
In recent years, Japan has seen a surge in clothing consumption, with households purchasing hundreds of thousands of tons of new garments annually. In 2024, approximately 770,000 tons of clothing entered the domestic market, while nearly 480,000 tons were disposed of as waste, much of which was incinerated or sent to landfills.
Despite efforts to promote second hand markets and recycling, the reuse rate has remained low, and recycling technologies face hurdles due to the diverse materials used in modern clothing. The government’s data shows that most textile waste today comes from households, not industrial sources.
Action Plan Targets and Focus Areas
Under the upcoming action plan, the Environment Ministry intends to establish precise targets and responsibilities for all stakeholders. Key goals include:
- Boosting reuse and recycling systems — improving collection networks and making secondhand apparel more accessible.
- Encouraging sustainable design — asking fashion brands to create garments that are easier to repair, recycle, or repurpose.
- Promoting consumer awareness — urging households to reduce overall waste and make environmentally responsible purchasing choices.
Municipalities are expected to play a central role by enhancing local collection programs and providing incentives for recycling. Businesses will be encouraged to take part in circular economy initiatives, helping shift the fashion industry toward more sustainable practices.
Toward Circular Fashion and Lower Environmental Impact
Reducing clothing waste aligns with global efforts to curb environmental degradation, particularly in sectors like fashion that consume vast amounts of water, energy, and raw materials. The apparel industry is one of the world’s largest generators of textile waste and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Experts say that Japan’s approach combining regulatory planning with incentives for reuse and recycling could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges. However, success will depend on cooperation across government, industry, and the public to change long-standing consumption patterns and unlock the full potential of circular fashion principles.
Originally written by: By John Mowbray
Link to the article: https://www.ecotextile.com/2026010561237/news/environment/japan-targets-25-cut-in-clothing-waste/
