How public-private partnerships are creating more energy-efficient appliances in Japan

With advancements in technology, energy-efficient appliances are becoming more common, driving sustainability in households.

According to the Ministry of Environment’s special website featuring energy-efficient appliances, today’s refrigerators are up to 42% more efficient than models from just a decade ago and air conditioners are 15% more energy-efficient.

By upgrading to the latest appliances, individuals and society can substantially reduce energy consumption.

In Japan, local governments actively support efforts to replace older, less efficient appliances with newer, optimal ones. More companies are also reusing parts from older models to create fresh products, contributing to a sustainable resource cycle.

Tokyo, Mie, Toyama and Fukui are among the municipalities that have introduced programmes offering rebates, specifically for replacing old units with energy-efficient appliances.

In Tokyo, the Tokyo Zero Emi Point programme increased its rebate amount from up to JPY 26,000 to JPY 80,000 as of October 2024 to further encourage the shift to energy-efficient products.

The subsidy application process, which was previously done online or by mail, has also been simplified. Through cooperation with appliance retailers, customers can now apply in-store when buying their replacement.

Eligibility for replacement subsidies varies by municipality. In Tokyo, the rebate is based on the age of the older appliance, with higher rebates for replacing “long-term use appliances,” such as those over 15 years old, as further incentive.

To make these programmes easier to navigate, Yamada Denki, a leading electronics retailer, has created a web page listing municipalities offering replacement support and providing details of each programme.

Another leading retailer, Nojima, has also launched a page about the Tokyo Zero Emi Point programme, outlining eligible products, necessary documents and steps for applying for a rebate.

Partnerships between the public and private sectors are essential for the efficient operation and promotion of these initiatives.

What happens to old appliances when they are replaced by new ones?

In Japan, they are collected and processed according to the Home Appliance Recycling Law. The law was enacted in 1998 and requires recycling useful parts, mainly metal and plastic, from discarded appliances in homes and offices.

One benefit of collaborating with appliance stores, as seen in Tokyo’s Zero Emi Point programme, is that many stores also provide collection services for old appliances, allowing for a seamless process when replacing them with new ones.

Retail shops then ship them to manufacturers to disassemble and process.

According to the Ministry of Environment, approximately 14.95 million units of old air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators and washing machines were collected in 2022 as recycled goods. Valuable resources, including iron, copper, aluminium, glass and plastic were extracted from these appliances, with a recycling rate of over 80%.

Recently, companies have also been increasing efforts to reuse parts recovered from old appliances.

For example, renowned appliance manufacturer Panasonic has been enhancing the quality of recycled materials from used appliances to increase the proportion of recycled materials in its new products.

Recycled plastic has often been restricted to less visible parts of products or areas that do not need particular strength, as recycled plastic typically possesses reduced durability.

However, Panasonic has enhanced the durability of recycled plastic with specific additives, so now, 40% of materials in their products, including washing machines and vacuum cleaners, are recycled.

Additionally, Panasonic collaborated with Hirabayashi Kinzoku, a recycling company, to create a robot-assisted “automatic home appliance disassembly system,” enabling the quick, automated disassembly of air conditioner outdoor units.

“With labour shortages in mind,” the project lead noted, “efficient and stable recycling technologies will be necessary for the long term.” Panasonic plans to expand this technology to support the recycling of other household appliances in the future.

Improving the energy efficiency of household appliances may seem like a small step; however, when encouraged at local and national levels, it can yield substantial benefits.

Through programmes that encourage switching to new appliances, people not only acquire more energy-efficient appliances but also become more conscious about the energy they use every day.

Furthermore, combining the collection of old appliances and reusing their materials for new products means the overall system reduces household costs and contributes to a more environmentally friendly society.

By promoting these initiatives through public-private partnerships, we can take tangible strides toward a circular society that is highly conscious about energy consumption and efficiency in everyday life

As more households adopt energy-efficient appliances, Japan moves towards its sustainable future.