We will hold the First ICETT Resource Circulation Seminar for FY2026: “Technology Changes the Market Value of Glass from Recycled Solar Panels: Business Opportunities Created by Advanced Recycling and Regional Cooperation” (In-person and Online)

　The International Center for Environmental Technology Transfer (ICETT), a public interest incorporated foundation, has been hosting the “ICETT Resource Circulation Seminar” since 2024 with the aim of promoting resource circulation initiatives by companies and organizations, primarily in the Chubu region. The first seminar of this fiscal year will focus on the theme of “Solar Panel Recycling.”

Background and Objectives of the Seminar

　It is anticipated that the late 2030s will mark the onset of a period of mass disposal of solar panels. On May 29 of this year, the “Act on the Promotion of Recycling and Other Measures for Solar Cell Waste” was passed and enacted; it was subsequently promulgated on June 5 and is expected to take effect at the end of 2027. Under this law, those disposing of solar panels are required to minimize waste and promote recycling. To comply, it is necessary to establish local recycling systems for used solar panels and to improve the necessary infrastructure.

　This seminar aims to contribute to the promotion of advanced recycling of used solar panels in the region. It will provide relevant businesses and support organizations with information on future trends in solar panel recycling, as well as the demand for resources derived from solar panel recycling and the advanced recycling technologies needed to meet that demand.

Seminar Overview

Summary

◆Date and Time: Thursday, December 3, 2026, 1:30 PM–4:20 PM (Registration begins: On-site at 1:00 PM; Online at 1:20 PM)

◆Format: Hybrid (in-person and online)
　　　(Venue) Training Room 306, Humanitec Plaza (Capacity: 30 people)
　　　　　　(1-4-28 Unomori, Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture)
　　　(Online) Delivered via Zoom webinar (capacity: 480 people)

◆後援：環境省 中部環境局、経済産業省　中部経済産業局、三重県、四日市市

◆Eligible Participants:
　・Businesses currently involved in solar panel recycling or that may become involved in the future
　　(Solar panel recyclers, intermediate treatment operators, power generation operators, maintenance and inspection providers, and collection and transportation companies)
　・Organizations that support the promotion of resource recycling (local governments, industry associations, universities, research institutions, etc.)
*Although the Hokusei area of Mie Prefecture is the main target area, companies and organizations located in other areas are also eligible.

◆Participation Fee: Free

◆Registration: Deadline is Wednesday, December 2, or registration will close once capacity is reached.
　　　　　　・Venue Registration:Click here
　　　　　　・Online registration:Click here

◆Program (Tentative):
[Opening Remarks]
13:30-13:35 　Mr. Shinji Bando, Director, Global Environment Department, International Center for Environmental Technology Transfer

[Policy Introduction]
1:35–2:00 p.m. “Policy Trends Toward Promoting Advanced Recycling of Solar Panels”
　　　　　　　　Mr. Makoto Kubo, Assistant Director, Resource Circulation and Disaster Waste Management Division, Chubu Regional Environment Bureau, Ministry of the Environment

2:00–2:20 p.m. “Solar Panel Recycling Initiatives in Mie Prefecture”
　　　　　　　　Mie Prefecture, Department of Environment and Community Life, Bureau of Environmental Coexistence, Resource Recycling Promotion Division, Resource Recycling Policy Section
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Mr. Takeshi Sakaguchi, Assistant Section Chief and Team Leader

[Case Study]
2:20–3:00 p.m. “Advanced Recycling of Solar Panels and Regional Collaboration Through One-Stop Services” (tentative title)
　　　　　　　　Shinryo Co., Ltd., Circular Economy Business Division, Planning and Management Headquarters
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Mr. Daisuke Moriya, Division Head

3:10 PM–3:50 PM “Horizontal Glass Recycling Using a Hot Knife and an EVA Scraper”
　　　　　　　　Mr. Harufumi Makino, Sales Group, Sales Department, Equipment Division, N.P.C. Co., Ltd.

3:50 PM–4:20 PM “Glass Derived from Solar Panels: Rising Resource Value and Demand”
　　　　　　　　Mr. Katsuyuki Nakahama, Senior Manager, Innovation Promotion Office, Central Glass Products Co., Ltd.

(After the seminar ends; venue-only)
Networking - business card exchange, etc.
4:20–4:40 p.m. We will set aside time for speakers and participants to exchange business cards.
　　　　　　　Please use this platform to discuss solar panel recycling, future collaboration, and the free exchange of information.

Speakers are subject to change without prior notice, thank you.

Information leaflet

FY R8, 1st ICETT Resource Recycling Seminar: “Technology Is Changing the Game: The Market Value of Glass from Solar Panels—Business Opportunities Created by Advanced Recycling and Regional Collaboration” Flyer

Precautions and Requests

Notes on registration
　For those attending at the venue
　If you are attending at the venue, we will tentatively accept your application using the registration form, and your application will be confirmed by an e-mail that will be sent to you later. Please note that we may not be able to accept your application even if you have been tentatively accepted due to capacity. Please understand this in advance.
　Online Participation
　After registering, please check the registration confirmation e-mail sent to your e-mail address provided by "no-reply@zoom.us" under the name "ICETT". When it is time to enter the webinar room, please click on the participation URL in the registration completion email or the pre-event reminder email.

Notes on participation
　Information regarding the presentation materials will be announced during the event. Recording or video recording of the webinar is strictly prohibited.

Contact Information
　International Center for Environmental Technology Transfer (ICETT)
　TEL：059-329-3500
　E-mail：cegroup@icett.or.jp
　Contacts: Kuroda (Nao), Kuwayama