By Koichi Yoshizuka (QRIE Ltd.)
As a veteran of Japan’s office supply and remanufactured toner business, I have witnessed many policy shifts and market trends over the years. Lately, one major question has emerged among industry peers internationally: With the United States pivoting away from climate action under the Trump administration, is Japan following suit?
Given Japan’s traditionally strong ties to the U.S., it is an understandable concern. However, I am here to assure you that Japan is not backtracking on decarbonisation. In fact, our country is quietly but steadily staying the course – much like Europe – even as the U.S. takes a different path. Below, I will explain the current landscape, from U.S. policy reversals to Japan’s unwavering commitment, and what it all means for our recycled toner cartridge industry.
U.S. climate policy reversal under Trump
The political winds in Washington have shifted sharply with the new administration. President Trump has reversed U.S. climate commitments and championed fossil fuels, leading to a backlash against ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investment across parts of corporate America. Facing political pressure, major U.S. banks and asset managers have exited international climate initiatives. Many American investors now consider green or impact bonds underperforming, and ESG considerations have become politicized.
This marks a stark contrast to Europe and Asia, where ESG remains integral to investment decisions. While the U.S. sees increasing resistance to sustainable finance, Europe and Asia view decarbonization as both a responsibility and opportunity.
Japan stays the course on decarbonisation
Nowhere is the contrast with U.S. policy more evident than in Japan. Despite our alliance with the U.S., Japan has firmly upheld its climate commitments. Our government remains dedicated to the Paris Agreement and to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. While former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had previously reaffirmed a 46% greenhouse gas reduction target by 2030 (with efforts toward 50%), current Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has taken an even more ambitious stance.
In February 2025, the Ishiba administration announced a new target of a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by fiscal year 2035, compared to 2013 levels. This target was submitted to the United Nations as part of Japan’s updated long-term decarbonization plan. The move signals Japan’s continued resolve, regardless of political changes in the U.S.
Environment Minister Asao has also publicly reiterated Japan’s climate leadership, stating in a February 2025 press conference that “climate change is an urgent global issue, and Japan has steadily reduced emissions toward achieving the 1.5°C goal.” These statements confirm Japan’s alignment with global climate goals and its intention to remain a constructive player on the international stage.
Key policies like the “Green Transformation” (GX) strategy and carbon pricing framework are moving forward. Japan is investing in clean technologies, including renewable energy, hydrogen, ammonia, and transition bonds. There has been no domestic backlash against ESG or sustainability.
At the same time, local initiatives like the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) show Japan’s leadership in regional decarbonization. From procurement laws favoring eco-friendly products to continued public support for climate action, Japan’s direction is clear: we are aligned with Europe in our commitment.
The recycled toner market: Structural decline, not policy backlash
What does this mean for the recycled toner cartridge industry? The good news: Japanese policy continues to favour recycled products. Government procurement and corporate buyers still prioritize eco-friendly consumables. There is no regulatory pressure reversing our gains.
However, the domestic market is shrinking due to structural changes. Digital workflows, remote work, and paperless trends have reduced printing volumes. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift. According to data from the Association of Japan Cartridge Remanufacturers (AJCR), shipment volumes have declined steadily since peaking in the early 2010s. By 2023, volumes were roughly two-thirds of their peak.
This decline is not ideological – it is technological. Businesses are embracing digitization, electronic invoicing laws are reducing paperwork, and younger generations are moving away from print. Even traditional practices like New Year cards are waning.
Adapting and diversifying for a low-carbon future
In this context, our industry must adapt. Japan remains a supportive environment for green and circular economy efforts. But we must evolve beyond office supplies.
Many companies are already diversifying – expanding into refurbishing other products, offering print management and digitization services, and exploring recycling of EV batteries or IT equipment. Some are even tapping into new markets abroad or focusing on underserved domestic niches like education.
Our history in toner remanufacturing is a valuable foundation. The skills, infrastructure, and environmental ethos developed here can support other decarbonization initiatives. As office printing declines, we have a chance to innovate and contribute to a broader low-carbon transition.
Conclusion
While the U.S. has stepped back from its climate commitments, Japan is staying the course. Our policies remain stable, our public remains supportive, and our industry remains essential. The challenges we face are structural, not political – and by adapting, we can continue to lead in sustainability.
Let us embrace this moment not as a setback, but as an opportunity to redefine our role in a decarbonising world. What we have built in the toner industry can light the path forward for new green solutions across Japan and beyond.
