The APO’s Green Productivity 2.0 initiative strives to achieve net-zero emissions and meet the UN SDGs through climate change mitigation, digital technologies for carbon accounting, and circular economy practices like the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle). Japan and the Republic of Korea lead Asia-Pacific economies with ambitious 2050 net-zero targets focusing on ecoproducts, responsible production and consumption, and environmentally friendly technologies. Developed economies offer replicable models that can be tailored to local needs.

To share models, technologies, and best practices from Japan, the Multicountry Observational Study Mission on Principles and Best Practices of the Sufficiency-based Circular Economy was held on 10–12 December 2025 in Tokyo. Hosted by the APO Secretariat, it provided participants with firsthand exposure to Japan’s sustainable industrial growth approaches, enabling APO members to design frameworks for socioeconomic development with minimal environmental impact.

Thirty-five participants from 15 APO members gained insights from five resource persons from Japan on leveraging digital solutions for sustainability management and compliance, decoupling business growth from environmental degradation, recycling appliances in Japan, and implementing circular economy standards. Site visits to Machida City Bio-Energy Center and Future Ecology Co., Ltd., deepened participants’ understanding of public sector and industry strategies for the 3Rs, waste-to-energy, and e-waste recycling. Participants also visited the EcoPro 2025 exhibition, which showcased emerging green technologies and nature-based solutions promoting eco-conscious growth alongside industrialization and economic prosperity.