 
 Recycling is carried out through global cooperation.Expanded polystyrene is circulated around the world by the import and export of products, and ends its life as a packaging material in the country where the product is consumed. If it is simply thrown away at the end of its useful life and is neglected just because it has not been made in a particular country, this will not contribute to resolving environmental problems. To avoid this situation, recycling organizations around the world have conferred and have concluded an international agreement whereby "a member country shall recycle imported expanded polystyrene packaging materials in the same way it would for nationally made product." The motto is "regardless of country of origin." 30 National and Regional Signatories This agreement was first signed by Japan, the United States of America, Germany and Austria in 1992. Since that time, the number of member countries have increased steadily to 30 countries currently. The 30 countries are as follows: Japan, the United States, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Korea, Chinese Taipei, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Chinese Hong Kong, China, India, Uruguay, Thailand, New Zealand and South African. Establishment of AMEPS in Asia Member countries make up regional organizations in the European, the American and the Asian regions. The regional organization in Asia is called AMEPS. It was established in 1995 and general meetings are held regularly to swap information. Its regular members are Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Australia and India. No country prohibits usage of expanded polystyrene A bill to ban the use of expanded polystyrene has been proposed in one of the state legislatures in the U.S.; however, it has not become law. Some countries make it a legal obligation to recycle expanded polystyrene, but no country prohibits its usage. Homepages around the world Please visit the home pages of related organizations and enterprises overseas listed below.
|