The 3rd Environmental Plastics Seminar was held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
This study meeting aims to promote open and informal information exchange on environmental plastic pollution. It is organized throughout the year, led primarily by the Marine Science Research Group of the Environment and Food Unit. Since this fiscal year, the meeting has been continued within the framework of the Social Impact Framework (SIF) as part of the socially oriented research and development program “Environmental Plastics Research Complex (EPReC),” launched by the FS.
On this occasion, Dr. Tetsuo Okura of Kaneka Corporation delivered a lecture entitled “The Current Landscape Surrounding Marine Biodegradable Polymers and Their Social Implementation.”
On the day of the event, due to delays in the speaker’s arrival caused by an earthquake that occurred in the Shimane–Tottori region, the meeting started 1 hour and 30 minutes later than scheduled. Nevertheless, many participants attended. We are also deeply grateful to Dr. Okura for traveling to Fukuoka despite the significantly extended travel time.
The lecture covered a wide range of topics, including the history of research and development that began with the discovery of bacteria capable of producing biodegradable polymers (PHBH), as well as regulatory issues, material properties, and examples of practical applications. This research represents the achievements of approximately 30 years of sustained research and development since its initial discovery and can be regarded as a noteworthy and commendable contribution toward addressing the problem of environmental plastic pollution. However, considering limitations such as production capacity, further progress in research and development in this field is anticipated in the future.
Information regarding the next study meeting will be announced on the FS website.
