From May 22 to 24, the 33rd New Environmental Exposition 2024 was held alongside the 16th Global Warming Prevention Exposition (GWPE) 2024 at the Tokyo Big Sight. Reporters from leading Japanese MICE news outlet, POP inc., covered the event.
This edition of the New Environmental Exposition, one of Asia’s largest environmental industry trade fairs, consisted of sixteen themed areas. The most prominent area was overwhelmingly the Waste Recycling, Waste Disposal, and Demolition Area, which covering nearly half of the entire exhibition space. Following in size were the Thermal, Waste Power Generation, and Heat Utilization Area, the Biomass and Organic Waste Disposal Area, and the Environmental Software, Scales, Measurement, and Analysis Area. In addition, two outdoor demonstration venues featured live demonstrations of everything from magnetic lifting attachments for excavators to plastic waste incinerators.
A total of 92,121 professional visitors attended the event over the 3-day period. Even on the opening day, exhibitors were already pleased with the attendee turnout. INTER-ACTION Corporation team members emphasized that the New Environmental Exposition has the number 1 attendance rate of their customers out of any trade fair.
Notably, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) played a major role in all aspects of the event. Exhibitors were eager to outline which of the 17 SDGs their products or services were designed to promote. In addition, reusable and recyclable materials were prioritized during booth construction and walkways were void of carpeting.
Exhibiting companies offered solutions to a myriad of problems. Environment & Development Co., Ltd. introduced its consulting services for construction of industrial waste management facilities, renewable power plant creation, disaster waste management, and residential, industrial, and commercial facilities development. The team hoped that their participation in the New Environmental Exposition’s seminars would encourage attendees to visit their booth as well.
Official website: https://www.etod.co.jp/
Next Action Company (NAC) focused its exhibit on the company’s environmentally-friendly waterless printing method. Most industrial printing requires ink to be dampened by using large quantities of water, which inevitably become wasted. Removing water from the process greatly reduces the negative impact on the environment, while simultaneously creating a crisper image and reducing printing costs. However, downsides, such as an increase in static electricity, are also present.
Official website: https://nac-1951.co.jp/
EQJ Co. Ltd showcased their asbestos cleaning machines in likely the most attention-grabbing booth in the venue. Featuring the “MAX Shower” and the “MAX S,” Managing Executive officer Yoshiaki Nemoto explained that safe asbestos cleanup has become a pressing issue in Japan in recent years. Since Japanese buildings are designed to be durable enough to withstand earthquakes, structures last for many years, which means that asbestos removal is still prevalent today. EQJ’s cleaning equipment helps to mitigate the spread of asbestos during building demolition by containing asbestos stuck to workers’ uniforms before they leave the worksite.
Official website: https://www.eqj.jp
Kayama Kogyo Co., Ltd. provides waste management solutions for PCBs and other materials, as well as collects waste from companies to be recycled and then reintroduced back into the market. At the company’s New Environmental Exposition stall, Kayama presented honey from its on-site apiary. Corporate Planning Division Member Maya Asmae elaborated that the team employs the bees as bio-indicators. By observing the bees’ health and habits, Kayama can estimate the effects that its waste management practices have on the surrounding environment, as well as work towards mitigating ecological damages. The apiary also offers opportunities for the local community to learn about sustainability while collecting honey.
Official website: https://www.kayama-k.co.jp/english
The upcoming 34th edition of the New Environmental Exposition will be held from May 28 to 30, 2025, at the Tokyo Big Sight.
